Variably configured inflatable personal flotation device also serving as an emergency distress marker

ABSTRACT

A pleomorphic inflatable device that first helps the victim through the need for corrective turning during water entry by placing buoyancy high on the chest optimizing corrective turning. After the victim is stabilized face up the bladder then can be reconfigured to provide incremental improvements in freeboard and surface positioning. The bladder can be removed and converted into a distress marker to signal a rescuer and mark the victim&#39;s location. The buoyancy of the marker can also be converted into a fully submerged bladder providing optimal freeboard to assist scanning for other vessels while enhancing lateral stability that supports a Heat Escape Lessening Posture position. If the seaway is growing increasingly rough the bladder can be reconfigured to once again prioritize corrective turning over vertical freeboard.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Application Serial No. 60/439,766, filed Jan. 13, 2003 and U.S.Application Serial No. 60/423,279, filed Nov. 1, 2002, both of which areincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The current invention relates to the water safety and survival ofboaters, fisherman, SCUBA divers, snorkelers, swimmers. In particular toa pleomorphic buoyant cylinder that can be reconfigured by an array offasteners and/or straps to provide safe entry, airway and thermalprotection to one or more victims. The life jacket can be quicklyreconfigured to catch the attention of a vessel passing by.

[0004] 2. Prior Art

[0005] Distress markers used in the dive industry provide signaling forassistance or to alert boaters to ongoing dive activity. Emergencymarkers are not in use by the man over board. Current Personal FlotationDevices (“PFDs”) are either inherently buoyant, inflatable or a hybridof the two inherently buoyant and inflatable sources of buoyancy.Considering the long history of serious problems in the reliableprovision of airway protective devices, ancillary survival needs of theMan Over Board (“MOB”) have been ignored. Clearly, if the victim floatsface down early on in a water emergency there will be little need toattract the attention of ongoing search and rescue activities throughthe use of an emergency marker. Given the difficulty in rolling anunconscious victim into an airway protected position with a fixed designlife jacket, pleomorphic PFD designs have not been considered. It iscommonly recognized that several potential rescuers pass by the victimbefore the victim is noticed and recovered. Thus there remains a needfor a re-configurable bladder that serves the evolving needs of the manover board (“MOB”).

[0006] Ballasted markers that rely upon weights suspended from thebottom of the marker require massive amounts of weight to keep a markervertical at the water's surface otherwise the marker will fall to itsside while easily suspending an inadequate amount of ballast. Currentlya very significant number of individual who enter the water unconsciousfloat face down while wearing their personal flotation device, a failureof the life jackets primary function. Despite Federal Law Mandating thata life jacket rolls an unconscious person from any position into a faceup position there are few, if any, that can achieve corrective rotationwithout active assistance from the MOB. Current garment integrateinflatable products are loose when inflated so that the buoyant momentlifts off the chest of the victim so that its buoyant force is notapplied to airway protective corrective rotation. However if theencapsulating garment is too tight it can compress the chest cage,constrict rib movements and result in respiratory embarrassment.

[0007] Complicating the critical positioning of the low profile lifejacket is that many marine activities require short bursts of extremeexertion or periods of extended exertion. Active recreational orvocational garment must be able to ventilate freely or compliance fallsprecipitously. One of the primary complaints about foam and inflatablePFDs is that they must be snuggly attached to the body to optimize theirperformance yet that same constrictive attachment compresses underlyinggarments restricting air flow/ventilation rapidly leading to overheating and consequently resulting in non-compliance. In particular theworking fisherman despite high incidence of drowning refuses to wearcurrent life jackets because their bulk interferes with freedom ofmovement required for working lines, nets and other fishing gear andthey entrap body heat preventing continued performance to expectation.In deference to PFDs restriction of movement and over heating, theconcept of carriage requirements allows vessels to meet USCGrequirements by carrying PFDs aboard rather than wearing PFDs except fora growing state by state movement mandating children under 12 wear theirPFD when underway.

[0008] Every ‘Tested and Approved’ PFD is evaluated by 18 randomlyselected test subjects as to whether it can be donned quickly by someoneunfamiliar with the PFD while standing at the pool side. The PFD must bedonned within a limited amount of time in order to be approved. PFDs arealso assessed for their ability to be adjusted while in the water.Contrary to poolside donning tests, in-water donning is recognized to beso difficult that PFDs are not tested for their ability to be put on inthe water by the MOB. However despite the recognized difficulty of inwater donning it is also common knowledge that the majority of drowningsoccur in vessels under 26 feet in length secondary to unexpected waterentry. It is rationalized that in the event of capsize or otherunexpected water entry, the MOB will not be able to locate the PFDdesigned and promoted to meet legal ‘carriage requirements’ and so inwater donning is not a requirement of a PFD stowed beneath the seat.

[0009] Existing life rings are a throwable type IV PFD of rigid closedcell construction. Life Rings are symmetrical in shape to facilitateaccurate throwing but consequently they supply the exact same amountforce pushing the victim forward as backward. Since the head is balancedon the neck by muscles only when conscious and since a preponderance ofthe mass of the head is forward of the neck, upon loss of consciousnessthe head falls forward, face first into the water. As the head initiatesthe fall forward the body follows and the posterior buoyant moment ofthe traditional symmetrical life ring assists the fall forward. Whilethe traditional life rings rigid construction is necessary to create abuoyant aid that can be thrown into the wind, the rigid one-size fitsall requires that the inner opening be sized to fit the largestanticipated victim. One-size fits all PFDs are loose on the smaller oraverage sized victim allowing the whole torso to heave forward uponcollapse leveraging the cephalic ballast into a stable airway submergedposition. While intended as a single person rescue device in a disasterat sea it is quite likely that two or more victims may depend upon thelife ring for buoyant assistance. The traditional life rings rigidityprevents the PFD from being adjusted to securely fit one or more victimsand the PFD's rigidity prevents the victims from huddling in closeproximity as recommended to conserve body heat.

[0010] Construction of ultralight survival equipment intended to be worncontinuously requires the use of ultra-light fabrics so that the stowedbulk is an acceptable minimum. Use of minimally support fabrics orunsupported fabrics for survival products requires a fixture to transferthe localized forces applied to lightweight bladders by straps, webbing,buckles etc. The weldable fabric flange is lighter, more flexible andeconomic allowing the size to be optimized to match the limits of thefabric's inherent durability. Many pure plastic flanges because theircost is proportional to material used are restricted in size, whichincreases the amount of force per unit area. The sewable plastic fitmentis also stiff and as such cannot be folded. The semi-rigid edge of theinjection molded plastic fitment is also a source of abrasion of thinfilms or even ultra-light weldable fabric.

[0011] Traditional SOLAS inflatable PFDs are required to provideredundancy of chambers and inflation means. The current trend is for theprimary and secondary bladders to be sealed to a common middle wall,reducing material costs and bulk. Consequently protection from failuredue to failed maintenance or puncture is the primary benefits achievedfrom fused redundant bladders. There are concerns that whatever sharpobject pierces one outer wall may continue on to perforate the innerwall leading to failure none-the-less. The cost of redundant chambers incurrent inflatable PFDs is so significant it is only available in top ofthe line military or SOLAS class commercial Offshore PFDs. In those rareinflatable life jackets that do provide a level of protection frompuncture many are constructed with a common center wall often ofunsupported film to which two outer layers are welded creating a threewalled dual chambered PFD. This allows redundant compressed gasinflation systems as required by the highest ratings yet any debriscapable of piercing the more rugged outer layer is capable of piercingthe inner film layer with resultant catastrophic failure. Existinginflatable personal flotation devices apply the buoyant moment closeabout the body of the victim limiting the distance or lever arm of thebuoyant moments from the axis of corrective rotation. The classic shortarm requires the use of greater force or displacement to achieve a giventorque about the axis.

[0012] Current belt mounted PFDs are sized for adults and a small adultis forced to deal with an abundance of webbing. If removed to customizeto a 20″ waist the belt mounted PFD then it can no longer be used for anadult with a 60″ waist. Current belt mounted PFDs place the belt behindthe PFD valise so as to not hinder the PFDs release during inflation.The pocket, which is mounted to the exterior of the belt, is also sizedto accommodate easy repacking. Consequently the pocket is loosely packedand hangs from the belt. Its size and bulk can create considerable dragif a swimmer carries such life jacket. Given a thousand or soindividuals drown a year, there remains a need for a compressed sleeklow profile deflated PFD whose minimal hydrodynamic drag would beacceptable to the swimmer. Paddle sports, fisherman, windsurfers, allpursue active water sports consequently the current harness styleinflatable PFD is left behind as incompatible with the need for freedomof movement.

[0013] Many low cost Buoyancy Compensators (“BCs”) are only providedwith a single tank band and the threading of the BC tank band cam buckleis poorly understood. Due to infrequent use most sport diver prefers tonot unthread the sinuous pattern. Even if the user was comfortable withthreading the Cam Buckle, the buckle is of relatively large size,requires a central position and needs webbing past the buckle to securethe tail to the tank band so the band does not pop off and loosen. Thismeans that the most posterior position is unavailable for mounting thecounterweight.

[0014] Years ago the diver's life jacket was a recycled airlineinflatable PFD, CO2 or orally inflated and used for the boat ride out tothe dive site, while SCUBA diving and then afterwards during snorkeldiving. With the invention of the diver's buoyancy compensator thediver's Safety Vest or diver's Life Jacket fell to the wayside. Everyyear there are fatalities in which the diver's cylinder runs out of airand the diver is found with their BC un-inflated. The loss of thediver's safety vest also meant the loss of redundant compressed gas forthe emergency inflation of the diver's surface flotation device. Inparts of the west coast abalone divers are restricted to breath-holddiving. While a second snorkeling vest can be purchased it flops aroundcreating considerable drag a fear that it might ensnare the kelp forestsin which abalone diving occurs. Thus there remains a need for a very lowprofile PFD that does not rely upon the SCUBA cylinder for inflation.With the advent of the BC the CO2 inflated safety vest was set aside.

[0015] Currently the boater may carry an inherently buoyant PFD asrequired by law but due to its bulk and heat trapping on warm summerdays due to its snug fit it is often left in the lazerette till boardedfor inspection while a low profile belt mounted PFD might be worn. Thefailure to wear the PFD is the number one problem leading to theapproximate 650 drownings that occur a year. While the harness styleinflatable may have been bought to be used while fishing in waders thebulk interferes with access to the numerous pockets holding tools andgear and the bulk around the head neck and arms interferes with therhythmic casting of the fly fisherman. The wind surfer and distanceswimmer due to their very active sport currently reject the foam as wellas the yoke collar or bulk belt mounted PFD despite a keen awareness ofthe consequential risk of that decision.

[0016] Thus there remains the need for a one size fits all valise thatcan attach a second tank band to a dedicated BC. That valise that mighthold a multi-function personal survival device may be the one piece ofdive gear the travel diver may wish to carry to a distant dive travelsite where it can be adjusted to fit and diameter tank. The tankmounting means used to secure the valise can also mount the airwayprotective counterweight for use with the rental BC's a dive travel sitewhich is unlikely to provide means for mounting airway protectivecounter-weighting. If a dive plan includes salvage or discovery thevalise contents might be set up for underwater use of the containedbladder while routine use would be give consideration for inflation ondeployment as might benefit an emergency involving oneself or one'sbuddy. SCUBA represents a very small percentage of a water-enthusiast'stime. A greater percentage of one's time is spent snorkeling, swimmer,boating, kayaking, jet skiing all activities where the individual mightsuddenly find themselves in need of signaling for assistance or forincreased surface buoyancy if not airway protection. The sameuniversally sized valise can fit the youngest child or largest adult andthe bladder can be set for water-activated deployment if indicated.Superior and inferior zipper mounts allow the valise to be directlymounted onto a garment or wader when an encircling band is notdesirable.

[0017] Thus there remains the need for (1) a life jacket compatible withthe rapidly changing exertional demands of the vocational andavocational boater, which may swing quickly from sweating to chilled,when they suddenly find themselves a MOB and (2) an invisible garmentintegrated life jacket that will consistently provide airway protectionregardless whether the garment is widely vented for thermal release ortightly secured for thermal conservation in the event that the MOBcannot participate in surface positioning. The same inflatable bladderof the present invention, as discussed in detail below, is directed tothese needs and is able to be reconfigured by the conscious MOB tocompress the MOB into the Heat Escape Lessening Position (“HELP”) tomaintain the core body temperature for a MOB or extended to secure aparent and child or two or more adults into the recommended thermallyconserving huddle; and can be reconfigured into a high visibility SOSdistress signal, in the event the MOB sites an ongoing search and rescueeffort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention generally discloses a multi-purpose watersafety and survival bladder. The bladder can initially serve as athoracic PFD providing corrective turning then be re-configured into anemergency distress signaling device or an alternate PFD design such as aYoke Collar style PFD which places buoyancy behind the head creatingincreased freeboard. Freeboard can be which defined or measured as thedistance from the water surface to an area of the victim's mouth, suchas the corner of the mouth. Alternatively, the bladder can bereconfigured into a life ring in which the predominance of displacementis submerged generating the strongest vertical freeboard facilitatingscanning the horizon for search and rescue efforts. The oversizedclosure strap allows two or more victims to compress in a heatconserving maneuver as recommended by Federal bodies. If each individualhas their own SHERP bladder they can be stacked to increase freeboardand to protect the backside from convective thermal losses.Alternatively the bladder can be connected end to end to allow three,four or more victims to be compressed to a heat escapes lesseningvertical huddle. The individual can use the strap about their feet topull their thighs tight against their chest. As the strap is tightenedto fit the individual, the bladder floats along the victim's sidesacting as stabile outriggers floating the victim in the H.E.L.P. asrecommended by the USCG/UL. The SHERP bladder can pass around the neckthen be connected behind the back floating the diver at 45 degrees tothe water's surface for comfortable visual scanning of the horizon forpassing boats or search and rescue activities. The presence of a zipperand lower strap allow the bladder to be connected through the legs tosecure the bladder during a jumping entry from impacting or breaking thevictim's neck. The presence of a midline zipper and both an upper andlower strap allows the SHERP to be configured as a full face shield toprotect the victim from ran or breaking seas. A dual strap SHERP bladdercan be secured within the fishing or sailing waders where it can beactivated upon exposure to water automatically or manually deployed.Initially deploys as a pneumatic strut. The same bladder can betransferred to a pull over jacket or carried in a belt mounted pouchthen transferred to the diver's buoyancy compensator. After the dive thebladder can be added to the wet suit for kayaking, surfing, wind surfingor snorkeling or other water activities. The convertible inflator allowsthe manually activated inflator to be converted into a water activatedinflator as might be desired by the high speed boater who if thrown fromthe boat may become unconscious upon impact with the water and benefitfrom automatic inflation upon contact with the water.

[0019] Further if weather conditions worsen the man overboard can adjusttheir SOS-PFD accordingly. The SOS marker can also be attached to thechest strap of an existing PFD. A swivel mount orients it self and thesubmerged component of the SOS marker contributes to net buoyancy andstability. Concurrently the attachment to the survivor provides theballast needed to orient the SOS marker.

[0020] For the hybrid the inflatable component of the PFD once it hasserved its purpose of placing the victim into an airway protectedposition can be released and used to attract attention and a quickerrescue. A range of hybrid chambers provides advantage in addition tosignaling and the selection of hybrid chamber may vary in relation shipto changing boating environments. A redundant PFD hybrid bladder mightbe used by vessel crew to assist in a disaster. A 4′ mat creates a hugesignal and 30 lbs. of buoyancy to allow the head, neck and torso toescape the hypothermic waters. A 6′ raft allows ideal protection fromhypothermia, ability to open the airway of a victim and well as supportand transport pending rescue.

[0021] Alternatively the hybrid bladder may begin its duty as a SOSMarker latter to become a PFD. As a water-activated thrown device it canmark the site of a man over board as the vessel is made to come about.Circular ballast attached to the marker prevents flexion of the markerallowing it to float up right with the least amount of ballast. Theorienting ballast also increases the distance and accuracy of theSOS-PFD delivery particularly when thrown during foul weather. Uponcontact with the water the SOS Marker self deploys and the deliveryballast now serves to orient the marker and its water activated visualand auditory signal systems. In certain non-civilian situations acomponent of the delivery ballast can be liquid nutrition which uponentry into the water no longer reduces the markers net buoyancy, i.e.maintaining maximal loft. The heavier systems can benefit from alaunching device. When the victim reaches the SOS marker and releasesthe delivery and orienting ballast, the freed buckle can now be used toclose the newly configured life or yoke collar PFD about the victim. Anoffshore sailing SOS-PFD would include an integrated heavy duty harnessto allow the life ring to attach themselves to a rescue line typicallydragged across the victim's path by the sailboat without an auxiliary.

[0022] Thus, the present invention provides a pleomorphic inflatabledevice that first sees the victim through the need for correctiveturning during water entry by placing buoyancy high on the chestoptimizing corrective turning. After the victim is stabilized face upthe bladder then can be re-configured to provide incrementalimprovements in free board and surface positioning. If search and rescueefforts are spotted the bladder can be removed and converted into a6-foot tall distress marker to signal the rescuers and mark the victim'slocation. If the victim is unsuccessful in securing the attention of thepassing vessel or plane, the buoyancy of the marker can be convertedinto a fully submerged bladder providing optimal freeboard to assistscanning for other vessels while enhancing lateral stability thatsupports the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (“HELP”) position. If theseaway is growing increasingly rough the bladder can be re-configured toonce again prioritize corrective turning over vertical freeboard.

[0023] In summary, the present invention generally provides (a) avariably configured inflatable PFD which can also serve as an emergencydistress marker; (b) a polymorphous water survival device providingpneumatic strut amplified airway protection and concurrent thermalprotection for one or more survivors; (c) a universally sized valisewhich supplies a second tank band for dedicated BC Storing PFD andcounterweights for any dive cylinder and for conversion to a beltmounted PFD for a snorkeler, swimmer, boater or fisherman; and (d) abuoyant cylinder with one or more fasteners for converting the cylinderinto a variety of personal and group water safety and survival devices,where the underlying garment structure can organize and secure bladderin a variety of configurations.

[0024] The inflatable or foam buoyant cylinder of the invention caninclude one or more set of complementary fasteners for converting thetall cylindrical distress marker into a horseshoe life jacket or singleor multi-person life ring by reversibly attaching the bladder back ontoit self and or garment. Webbing mounted fasteners allows wide variationin coupling. A separating zipper reconfigures the linear signal markerinto a double wide cephalic ram for the waders, bibs, jackets whilesizing to diverse necks and providing a water resistant face shield.Reversibly attaching the distress marker to a jacket, PFD, BC, BodyArmor Vest, waders utilizes the garments structure to reduce the needfor encircling members. As the hybrid chamber after assisting with entrygoes on to conserve core temperature for one or more victims, signalsearch and rescue activities or function as a rescue PFD. Integrateddetonation chamber focuses protracted expansion to deploy bladder butdoes not interfere with cylinders structure as a SOS signal.

[0025] The multi-purpose inflatable may be used initially as a PFD orEmergency distress marker that easily converts to alternate functions asindicated. Ideally, the Hybrid PFD is constructed using a distressmarker bladder to supply corrective turning. Once stabilized the hybridbladder is released to assist search and rescue activities. Themulti-form bladder provides a range of PFD styles selected according tosea state and survivor's condition. The PFD-Marker can attach toexisting PFD chest straps concurrently augmenting freeboard andsignaling efforts. The PFD-Marker combined with a heave line providessite marking, airway protection and a retrieving device to assist theman over board. A water-activated model can be thrown from the helm tomark the MOB site as the vessel comes about. Orienting ballast releasesautomatically as the marker is converted into a PFD. Particularembodiments distinguish the waist mounted PFD-Marker for the boater, BCmounted PFD-SOS for the diver and a single use ‘Mylar’ PFD-SOS providinga multiplicity of chambers for commercial carrier.

[0026] The inflatable bladder that can function as a stand-alone lifejacket, hybrid or multi-chambered survival device. Pressurization of apneumatic strut is triangulated by a strap allowing a portion of thebuoyant moment to be moved away from the axis of corrective rotationwhere its force is amplified. In addition to SOS marker, life jacket,PFD or rescue device the Enhanced Life Ring diameter can expand toaccommodate 2 to 20 survivors. If each survivor has multiple SHERPbladders they can be stacked to reduce convective losses while huddlingto conserve core temperature. Integrated floor and or canopy provideprotection from wind and water convective and conductive losses.

[0027] The one-size fits all valise securely mounts to either a{fraction (7/14)}″ dive cylinder or approximate 60″ waist. BuoyancyCompensators integrating a zipper benefit from a second stabilizing tankband. The valise tank band can mount releasable or non-releasablecounterweights for improved diver surface positioning. The valise can beoperated in a compressing or non-compressing mode. When attached to theSCUBA cylinder the valise contents are outside the tensioning band, whenused for the swimmer or snorkeler the tension band can be reverse tocompresses the valise contents into a sleek low hydrodynamic dragconfiguration. The valise contents are set to deploy and detonate with asingle action or be extracted under water and attached to included spoolto establish an ascent line or bottom marker. An SOS-PFD multi-functioninflatable, raft or beacon & flare can be quickly adapted to enhance thesafety of a wide range of water sports.

[0028] The present invention also permits a secondary tank band in whichthe cam buckle can be adjusted to be secured at the side to allow thecentral position to be free for a keeling counterweight whose force isdirectly proportional to the distance from the axis of correctiverotation. The placement of the counterweights on the secondary tank bandmay also assure that the cam buckle is free from any obstruction thatmight compromise the cam buckles secure adjustment and safe operation.The vast majority of BCs do not have an integrated zipper and so theuniversal valise of the present invention is secured at the side and canbe released underwater or at the surface. At the surface if it wasdecided that the loss of enhanced surface positioning was not criticalthe tank mounted weights can be used as orienting ballast for hands freeoperation of the present invention distress marker. For steel tanks thatintegrate the counterweight ballast the valise tank band buckle can beselected to complement the BC integrated weight pocket buckle so thatthe diver's ballast can be transferred to the Distress Marker to unloadthe diver and provide orienting ballast for the marker so it can floathands free in an upright orientation. The inclusion of a dedicatedmounting means allows the diver on a budget to upgrade to the stabilityof a second tank band, PFD and site for counter-weighting when thebudget allows.

[0029] It is the primary object of this invention to provide a singlebladder that can serve as single or multiple PFD yet also bereconfigured into a signaling distress marker to attract the attentionof passing vessel.

[0030] It is also an object of this invention that the multifunctionbladder serves initially as the hybrid bladder of an inherently buoyantPFD.

[0031] It is also an object of this invention for the combined PFD andSOS marker to be able to be easily converted in-water to provide a rangeof life jackets with differing freeboard as dictated by theenvironmental conditions.

[0032] It is an object of the invention to be able to convert a Distressmarker into a yoke collar style PFD.

[0033] It is an object of the invention to be able to convert a Distressmarker into an underarm life ring.

[0034] It is an object of the invention to be able to convert a Distressmarker into an inflatable cervical collar.

[0035] It is an object of the invention to be able to attach a Distressmarker to provide buoyant aid.

[0036] It is an object of the invention to use the ballast of the victimto orient the SOS distress marker.

[0037] It is also an object of this invention that the SOS marker can beused to augment the cephalo-cervical support of a type III PFD when notin use as a signaling device.

[0038] It is also an object of this invention to provide a SOS markerthan can easily be attached to the chest strap of any existing lifejacket to confer improved visibility to search and rescue efforts.

[0039] It is also an object of this invention to supply a thrown rescuedevice that water activates into a marker that can then be used tosupply a life jacket to the man over board. It is also an object of thisinvention to supply a thrown rescue device that includes a SOS-PFDbladder and line to allow the rescuer to pull the victim back aboard.

[0040] It is also an object of this invention to supply a thrown rescuedevice to have the delivery ballast and orienting ballast is circular tonot interfere with the structural integrity of the SOS marker.

[0041] It is also an object of this invention to supply a thrown rescuedevice to have the delivery ballast and orienting ballast is releasablewhen it is converted from a SOS-marker into a PFD.

[0042] It is also an object of this invention to supply a thrown rescuedevice to have the delivery ballast and orienting ballast a portion ofwhich is water and liquid nutrition whose ballast is only effective whenin transit in the air yet does not decrease buoyancy of marker oncedeployed.

[0043] It is also an object of this invention to adapt the SOS-PFDmarker for the diver to be used with the dive jacket or to be usedindependently.

[0044] It is also an object of this invention to adapt the DiversSOS-PFD marker to be oriented into a free stranding marker by connectingone diver's integrated weight pocket.

[0045] It is also an object of this invention to adapt the DiversSOS-PFD marker to be converted into an equipment buoy by receiving bothintegrated weight pockets.

[0046] It is an object of an this invention to provide a ‘Mylar’ singleuse emergency PFD-SOS marker fully redundant SOS Marker and PFDfunctions available to be used as rescue tools.

[0047] It is an object of this invention to provide a one size fits allcompressing or non-compressing valise.

[0048] It is an object of this invention to provide a taillessuniversally sized compressing or non-compressing valise.

[0049] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise andmounting strap integrating a dual position counterweight release means.

[0050] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise andmounting strap which can mount a counterweight in a first inactive trimposition then in a second active position.

[0051] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise andmounting strap mechanically attaches to dedicated buoyancy compensatoras the second tank band.

[0052] It is an object of this invention to provide a BC with reversiblevalise mounting means.

[0053] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise whosecontents are sequentially deployed while cylinder is physically retainedto facilitate detonatation by a single action of one hand.

[0054] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise with two ormore functionally distinct closure means.

[0055] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise withreversible locking means complementing contents.

[0056] It is an object of this invention to provide a valise with one ormore securing buckles compatible with complementary weight pocketmounting buckles.

[0057] It is an object of this invention to provide a right or left handoperated centrally located buckles for release of dual trim and orrelease of valise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0058]FIG. 1 is a lateral view of illustrating the sequential use of agarment integrated or mounted bladder to first provide airway protectionduring the shock of initial entry. After surviving entry the bladder isthen converted to act as a signaling device to facilitate rapid rescue.The SOS-PFD can be built into the swim suit or attached to the foam PFD.

[0059]FIG. 2 is a lateral view illustrating a distress marker that clipson to the PFD's chest strap. It is swivel mounted so that it orientsitself in the water column. It can be released so that the audible orvisual alarm can be turned on or off as indicated and positioned formaximum visibility. Attaching the SOS marker to PFD, garment or limpsupplies orienting ballast to keep the audible and visual alarm signalsaloft. The distress marker after release is designed to be secured aboutthe neck augmenting PFD generated freeboard in a mounting sea state.

[0060]FIG. 3 is a combination of lateral and superior views illustratinga range of hybrid bladders that can be used to provide the inflatablecomponent to a hybrid PFD. Illustrated secondary bladder functions are:a small air mattress, distress marker-PFD, redundant PFD, and life raft.Any bladder stowed within the forward pocket of the hybrid PFD providesenhanced corrective turning during entry only to be released latter tofacilitate, signaling, rescuing others or exiting the water.

[0061]FIG. 4 is a lateral view of a throwable PFD-Distress Marker.Vacuum packing eliminates the chance that the water activated inflatorwill be set off accidentally by rain, splash or bilge water. Once tornfrom its protective cover it can be accurately thrown a great distancebecause of the included high-density marker orienting ballast. Thecombination of chem-lites, aerial flares, and extended battery packsaugment the granular high-density steel or lead shot. The ballast ispadded by the stowed bladder to protect the man over board from friendlyfire. Once immersed the SOS-PFD auto inflates to mark the site of a MOBwhile the vessel is coming about. The victim can swim over to the markerto create a life ring or yoke collar PFD. Offshore models would includea heavy integrated harness that can bear the forces of being reeled inat the end of a rescue line reeling while in the open ocean.

[0062]FIG. 5 is a lateral view illustrating the range of survivalproducts the can be configured from an individual PFD-SOS Marker. Whenstowed on the chest it deploys as the thoracic bladder supplyingcorrective turning. One of the bladder legs can be released and wrappedaround the victim's neck to form a Yoke Collar style PFD for improvedfreeboard. Alternatively the free marker leg can be passed underneathboth arms forming a life ring, which provide the victim the greatestfreeboard. If one end is released the bladder becomes a partiallysubmerged attached distress marker. Release of both ends creates afreestanding marker that can be waved at search and rescue efforts inthe area.

[0063]FIG. 6 is a lateral view illustrating a Rescue SOS-PFD Markerwhich includes an attached heave and recovery line that is stowed incommon sack. The SOS orienting ballast creates improved aerodynamiccharacteristics by increasing the thrown marker net density. Theinclusion of fluid ballast to facilitate delivery and support victimsurvival assists in delivery but does not adversely submerge the float,as does a metallic delivery ballast. The heavier heave line allows theSOS-PFD and rescue line to reach more distant victims particularly inwindy or stormy conditions. The release of the ballast allows the markerto be converted into a life ring securing the victim during the haulback to the vessel.

[0064]FIG. 7 is a lateral view illustrating a waist mounted SOS-PFDmarker. After deployment of the emergency marker it can be released fromthe pocket. Chest closure and back straps convert the distress markerinto a highly functional yoke collar style PFD. Alternatively the tubecan be wrapped around the chest and support the man overboard who isactively scanning the horizon for search and rescue efforts and canbenefit from the maximum vertical surface positioning.

[0065]FIG. 8 is a lateral view illustrating a diver's SOS-PFD-EquipmentBuoy. The marker is enlarged at both ends to provide increased anteriorbuoyancy needed by the diver and attached equipment and to provide thedisplacement needed to support on integrated weight used to orient theSOS marker or to support both integrated weights to free the diver whenexhausted. The SOS Marker has complementary closures for attaching tothe divers buoyancy compensation jacket or to each other so that the SOSmarker can serve as a PFD if the diver jettisons their dive gear.

[0066]FIG. 9 is a lateral view of a single use ‘Mylar’ PFD-SOS Marker.Redundant chambers compensate for use of ultra lightweight fabric. Apolyethylene connector welds to the bladder and sews to the compressionband that bears the force once the PFD is inflated. A separate chamberprovides a tertiary back up for the PFD function and allows concurrentuse of an SOS marker without removing the PFD.

[0067]FIG. 10 is lateral view illustrating an overview of the range ofwater safety and survival devices provided by the SHERP bladder. SOS ordistress marker, HELP Sling of Heat Escape Lessening Posture Sling,Enhanced Life Ring, Primary and Secondary Ram life jackets, PFDs ofsubserving a variety of different purposes. The SHERP also provides anoptional crotch strap for jumping water entries, and abdominal bladderfor horizontal open ocean flotation as well as a ventilated spray shieldfor rain or breaking seas.

[0068]FIG. 11 is a lateral view illustrating the value of includingthree SHERP bladders as components of a single survival system. Aprimary and or secondary ram life jacket provides airway protectionduring the initial shock of entry and in the event of loss ofconsciousness. A SHERP with enlarged lateral chambers provides enhanceddisplacement in the 30 or 0-degree body angle positions as well as theHELP position. A small diameter, lightweight SOS marker lofts moreeasily and can be constructed of “Mylar” to conserve stowed volume andreduce costs. The SOS bladder can provide aggressive abdominal flotationby doubling the amount of displacement located submerged behind theback. The synergistic effects of re-allocating the buoyant force createan incomparable Open Ocean PSD—Personal Survival Device.

[0069]FIG. 12 is a lateral view illustrating the use of the SHERPbladder initially as the over sized bladder that is configured by afabric shell into a mandibulo-cephalic ram life jacket. The configuringfabric can be a part of an inherently buoyant PFD that is converts uponinflation into an airway protective life jacket. The lower row shows aconvertible PFD with a plurality of SHERP bladders constructed fromfabrics of differing durability/bulk/cost that can be released forimproved water safety and survival.

[0070]FIG. 13 is a lateral view illustrating the uses of the SHERPenhanced life ring. The life ring can be increased in diameter and thencinched tight to facilitate a multi-person huddle. If each individualhas multiple SHERP bladders they can be stacked to provide enormousdisplacement, freeboard and protection from convective losses due towater movement against the backs of the huddling victims. Themultiplicity of common adjustable connectors allows the SHERP bladdersto be placed in series to accommodate and size group of survivors.

[0071]FIG. 14 is a frontal view illustrating a positionally dependentSHERP bladder that can be water activated or manually activated. IN oneposition the device acts as the primary ram life jacket in another itacts as a secondary abdominal bladder. A locking mechanism preventsaccidental deployment if the soldier is forced to crawl on their belly.The SHERP bladder is combined with a pocket full of armaments. Thecombined device to be quickly removed and thrown to a buddy in trouble.Water cause the SHERP to first deploy as a site marker, which isoriented in the water column by the soldier's ballistics. When the buddyswims to the marker it can be converted in the most appropriate lifejacket or PFD.

[0072]FIG. 15 is a frontal view illustrating a hunter or soldiersballistics pocket that can by combined with a quick release,positionally dependant SHERP bladder for use to rescue self or others.If not in a water environment the ballistics pocket can be combined witha small pocket for a flashlight or bang stick. It attached to the loweredge of the body armor vest the bladder can be stored behind the bodyarmor where it is protected from ballistic perforation until needed.

[0073]FIG. 16 is a frontal view illustrating the use of flexible fabricfitments to distribute the localized forces of straps and connectorsover an increased area of the ultra-light SHERP bladder. The supportedfabric fitment is constructed of a laminated fabric core that can absorbthe perforation of sewing webbing to one part then use non-perforatingradio frequency or heat welding to transfer the forces over a muchgreater area of the unsupported film or marginally supported laminate ofthe SHERP bladder. The powerful forces released upon puncture of thecompressed cylinder are mediated through a series of flexible fabricwebbing fitments.

[0074]FIG. 17 is a frontal view illustrating a range of SHERP bladdersadapted to enhance specific rescue functions. The use of more than oneSHERP bladder provides more than redundancy from rupture. In order tooptimize the distribution of buoyant moments about the man over board,the appearances of the various SHERP bladders differ however all SHERPbladders remain capable of providing a widely divergent range of rescueproducts regardless of its specialized appearance.

[0075]FIG. 18 is a lateral view illustrating the utility of the extendedSHERP in enhancing the stability of the HELP position. In addition thereis a frontal view illustrating a SHERP Ram Convertible Type III PFD toType A Life Jacket. The SHERP is oversized and supplies the pneumaticforce to configure the external fabric shell into a mandibulo-cephaliclife jacket. The oversized SHERP bladder can be released to serve as asignal marker, HELP sling enhanced group life ring or a range of PFDs ofvarying body angles as dictated by Sea State.

[0076]FIG. 19 is a frontal view illustrating a dual bladder body armorflotation vest. A traditional ovoid centerline mountedmandibulo-cephalic ram bladder, which is complemented by either, anorally inflated SHERP or by a water activated SHERP abdominal bladder.The water activated is combined with a pocket of bullets of sufficientballast to orient the SOS-PFD bladder, which can be quickly removed andthrown to a Man Over Board. It initially inflates into a site marker.When the victim reached the SHERP SOS marker it can be converted into aHELP Sling, Ram Life Jacket, Spray shield, or the variety of PFDs mostappropriate to the Sea State.

[0077]FIG. 20 is a frontal view illustrating the releasableencapsulation of the SHERP bladder within the fishermen or sailor's bibsor fishing waders. The garment supplies a secure bilateral crotch strapattachment. The bladder expands against the encapsulating garmentsecuring the buoyant force against the victim. The lower strap extendsthrough the expandable pocket, which stows the bladder in peel until thebladder begins to expand. Then the fabric lock peels apart and thepocket acts as a funnel directing the tightly configured SHERP bladderinto a mandibulo-cephalic ram. The conscious Man Over Board can open theBibs SHERP ram and slip it over their head creating a traditional yokecollar PFD. Or the Bibs SHERP ram can be released to form a HELP PFD,multi-person life ring, or variety of different body angle PFDs.

[0078]FIG. 21 is a frontal close up and lateral view illustrating atraditional inflatable PFD with lower SHERP strap which allows thetraditional PFD to be used as a HELP compression sling or multi-personlife ring PFD. SOLAS requires redundant bladders and inflation means. Ifthe secondary bladder is a SHERP bladder the victim acquires a widerange of complementary survival devices including signaling, thermalprotection and multi-person.

[0079]FIG. 22 is a frontal view illustrating a SHERP bladder dedicatedto SCUBA diving. The traditional BC has been modified to include alonger sternum strap and an offset cummerbund strap. The lower SHERPstrap locks into complementary buckles on the cummerbund. A cover keepsthe SHERP deflated until released then compressed air from the BCbladder passes into the SHERP bladder. As it inflates it is held to thediver by the enlarged sternum strap. The integrated BC weights arecomplementary to the buckles of the SHERP. It can be released to signalthe dive boat or act as a HELP, life ring PFD.

[0080]FIG. 23 is a frontal view illustrating range of diver's SHERPbladders. A standalone SHERP can attach to any existing BC. The SHERPLife Jacket can be integrated into the BC shoulder straps where a lockeddown CO2 supplies compressed gas inflation independent from the diverstank in the even of an out of air emergency. A sternum strap mountingopens under low-pressure power inflation converting the dive jacket tobe changed from face down to face up flotation upon deployment of theSHERP ram configuration.

[0081]FIG. 24 is a lateral view illustrating the SHERP HELP Life Bag.Either a traditional inflatable PFD with integrated Lower SHERP strap ora SHERP bladder can mount additional fabric that is used to enclose thelower or lower and upper halves of the in-water victim. The one or bothlayers can be inflatable to add additional thermal protection anddistributed buoyancy. In a dual bladder survival device used in coldwaters one can supply the HELP compression while the other supplies theinsulation from convection and conduction. A thin film HELP Life Bagadds radiant reflectivity, reduced bulk and cost making the SHERP LifeBag a reasonable second chamber for any offshore life saving device.

[0082]FIG. 25 is primarily a frontal view illustrating use of the pants,bib or shorts as a crotch harness system for the buoyant force of theSHERP bladder. The SHERP whether integrated into a pull over or frontopening jacket is integrated into the jacket so that upon inflation itrelies upon the inferior axillary fabric to create an encirclingelement. Loose and cool when deflated and snug and secure when inflated.A series of connectors allow any pants to be adapted to secure thevictim to the buoyant force.

[0083]FIG. 26 is a lateral view illustrating an enhanced life ring inwhich the second strap of the SHERP bladder serves as a seat. The sameSHERP bladder that is stowed within the fishing waders as a PFD can beroutinely used as a fishing float/life ring.

[0084]FIG. 27 is a lateral view illustrating a transient expansionbladder that keeps the pneumatic force localized beneath the blow a partlock in the deployment system.

[0085]FIG. 28 is a series of frontal and lateral views of a snorkeler'svest with superior, inferior or full torso buoyancy. The same buoyantbladder can be released into a Yoke Style PFD or released as a signaltube, or full range of SHERP buoyant products

[0086]FIG. 29 is a frontal and rear view of BC with an integrated tankmounted valise. The valise strap stabilizes the BC on the tank andsupports a pair of counterweight pouches. The lower drawing is of thevalise removed from the integrated BC and used with a rental BC.Positioning the valise buckle on the side allows it to be accessedunderwater and the tank-mounted counterweights can then be used toorient the distress marker carried within the valise.

[0087]FIG. 30 is a frontal view illustrating the construction of thevalise. The strap can be used to compress the contents of the valise forthe snorkeler or swimmer or used to squeeze the tank leaving the valiseon the outside so that its contents can be removed without having torelease the valise which is holding the airway protective counterweightsin position.

[0088]FIG. 31 is a frontal view illustrating a dual strap valise largeenough to hold a nylon surf mat or life raft. The dual female bucklesare selected to complement the male buckles on the BC's weight pocketsallowing the diver to jettison their releasable dive ballast and supplyorienting ballast to convert the valise contents into a stand-alonedistress marker. The continuous strap allows the buckle to be positionedat any point around the straps circumference.

[0089]FIG. 32 is a frontal anterior and posterior view illustrating adual strap valise that reversible mounts a dual position gravity drivencircumferential counterweight. The low torque position has a short leverarm. When the diver rolls face up at the surface the weight slidesposterior stabilizing the face up position.

[0090]FIG. 33 is a frontal view illustrating a Vest Style BC with mobilesoft lead shot pouches. When the diver is face down the ballaststabilizes them in that position. When face up the ballast slides withinthe pocket towards the axis of rotation to stabilize the diver face up.

[0091]FIG. 34 is a frontal and lateral view of a crotch strap mountedSOS-PFD bladder. The bladder cover can be permanently added to thecrotch strap or provided as a retrofit. In the waist strap providessecure mounting of the bladders buoyant force upon inflation.

[0092]FIG. 35 is a frontal and lateral view of an SOS-PFD bladder builtinto a wet suit, survival suit or dry suit. An overlapping lip allowshigh speed water entry without inadvertently loosening the rip cordcover. In cold water the cover maintains thermal protection. Use of anelastic cover compresses the SOS-PFD bladder into a sleek low profilefootprint so that it does not increase hydrodynamic drag of thesnorkeler. A variable buoyant moment positioning system creates a widevariety of stable body angle positions to meet divergent sea conditions

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0093] In FIG. 1 a Hybrid PFD-SOS Marker 1 is illustrated and firstserves as the hybrid bladder 2 attached to an inherently buoyant PFD 5providing high torque corrective rotation to victim 24 who unexpectedlyfinds them self in the water 31. The hybrid bladder 2 can be mountedwith a reversibly means 23 to the foam PFD 5. The hybrid bladder 2 canbe orally inflated at valve 8 or manual or water activated inflationmeans 9 can be attached at CO2 manifold 7. Both the inherently buoyantPFD 5 and hybrid bladder 2 can be secured to victim 24 by chest strap 12located by retainer 13.

[0094] As seen in FIG. 1 the same bladder can be released from thehybrid PFD thoracic position to form a stand alone SOS Marker 3. TheSOS-PFD can be constructed from two chambers, a compressed gas chamber28 and an orally inflated chamber 30. Compressed gas chamber 28 can beinflated by water-activated inflator and attached compressed gas means 9and orally inflated or deflated by valve 29. Orally inflated chamber 30inflates and deflates from valve 8. SOS Marker 3 is ballasted by abattery 14, such as but not limited to a 12-volt battery, which isconducted by wires 22 to oscillator 16 to producing piercing auditorysignal 17. Additional ballast is supplied by batteries 19, which can beof a low-voltage type, that supply power to Light Emitting Diode 20 tocreate a visual signal 21 or to a strobe producing light assembly. Wateractivated immersion switch 26 can be over ridden by on/off visual signalswitch 19 and on/off auditory switch 15.

[0095] Alternatively as seen in the upper left hand drawing of FIG. 1the PFD-Marker bladder can be the sole source of buoyancy for a womanover board victim. The garment integrated inflatable PFD and distressmarker 27 mounts onto garment 6, which is shown as a swim suit, thoughsuch is not considered limiting. The substantial force of the garmentintegrated SOS-PFD 27 can be secured about the victim's waist by highstrength strap 11 which can be aesthetically integrated into the stringtie of the Bikini bathing suit. The SOS-PFD 27 can be constructed fromultra-light fabric so it can be stored within the Bikini bottom whichalso functions as bi-leg crotch strap. Once released from the swim suitposition the bladder converts into garment mounted distress marker 4where it continues to provide some buoyant assistance. The SOS markercan be detached to serve as a free standing distress marker 3.

[0096] The upper center drawing is a simple SOS signal marker that canbe converted into a personal flotation device 33. It requires a securingmeans preferably with a reversible closure device such as a strap in apocket of a BC or a strap on a garment such as the foam PFD chest strap12 seen in the lower left hand drawing of FIG. 1. The garment to whichthe SOS-PFD bladder 33 is attached provides the structure for securingthe rectangular signal marker bladder once it has been reconfigured intoa life jacket. Chest strap 12 of foam PFD 5 can be threaded throughloops 32 that are attached to the fabric outside the bladder 34 and usedto secure this simple SOS-PFD onto the foam life jacket. The only sourceof inflation is an oral inflator 8. Such simplicity in construction andoperation assure this affordable multifunction water safety device willbe widely accessible.

[0097] As seen in FIG. 2 the victim 24 adrift at sea 31 has an orallyinflated, chest strap mounted SOS marker 50 attached to a Type III PFD58. A secure locking chest strap mounted receiver 51 reversibly mountsand allows the distress marker and signal means 50 to rotate aboutcomplementary swivel 51 and 52 into the correct angle relative to thewater's surface 31. When orally inflated SOS marker 50 is secure tochest strap 12 it provides both buoyant assistance elevating thevictim's 24 waist which improves body angle reducing vertical travel orplunging in the water column as waves pass. Concurrently chest strapmounted SOS marker 50 continues to provide signaling even if the victim24 becomes obtunded from hypothermia. A locking lanyard 54 can beadjusted and secured by buckle 53 to the ballast of the arm 55 or leg.The ballast of limp holds the base of the released SOS marker 56 in asubmerged position so that auditory signal 17 and or visual signal 21remain aloft. There is also shown the conversion of the SOS marker intocephalo-mandibular bladder 57 creating improved freeboard 145.

[0098] The marker can be provided with a contrasting colored fabric suchas a brilliant Red 59 and Fluorescent yellow-green that is visuallyactive and provides optimal twilight as well as daytime visibility. Asthe PFD mounted SOS-PFD 50 or detached SOS marker 56 spins it generatesa pulsatile visual signal assisting search and rescue activities.Alternatively the second color can be black to blend in against thesurfer's neoprene wetsuit, which is also typically colored black, fornon-emergency or routine use as a buoyant swim aid. If the wind surferor kayaker has an emergency, the brilliant orange side can then beexposed as a signal to request assistance. Other colors can be selectedand all are considered within the scope of the invention.

[0099] In FIG. 3 the inherently buoyant PFD 5 of either Type I, II orIII is shown including a mixed-use hybrid PFD valise 80. Valise 80 ispermanently attached at 82 and releaseably attached at 86. Reversibleclosure means 81 allows the valise hybrid bladder to be released tofacilitate alternate survival functions. Contained within the valise 80can be a hybrid bladder that upon release converts into an SOS-PFDbladder 3, an inflatable mattress 83, a redundant single use inflatablePFD 85 or a personal raft 84. Any inflatable bladder contained withinthe valise provides improved airway protection to safeguard water entry.Thus, the hybrid bladder can be released to provide a rescue product forother victim's 85, to signal search and rescue efforts 3, providepartial protection from hypothermia 83 or allow complete water exit 84.

[0100]FIG. 4 illustrates a product that starts out not as a PFD but as athrown rescue device 100. A water activated compressed gas inflator 9 isprotected from the elements by vacuum packing 102. Crenation folds 104indicate vacuum is intact. The deflated marker 101 is release fromwaterproof packaging previously welded closed at 105 by tearing at notch106. The deflated bladder 101 is thrown at the MOB where contact withwater actuates inflator component 9 blowing a part closure means 103.Compressed gas inflator means 9 creates freestanding SOS-PFD marker 3marking the site of the MOB. Over pressure valve 107 protects against anorally inflated marker being inflated a second time by compressed gas.SOS-PFD marker 3 includes reversible closure means 112 which can beconnected to a range of complementary attachment sites 113 allowing alife ring of various sizes to be created to match the specific chestsize of the MOB. Chem-lite 108 which is a light stick can be secured toself-locking fabric straps 111 through an eye loop member of chem-lite108. An aerial flare 109 can be accessed through reversible pocketclosure means 110 to attract the attention of a distant plane or vessel.

[0101]FIG. 4 also identifies an offshore version of the thrown marker, aballasted SOS-PFD marker embodiment 124. Non-releasable,circumferential, orienting and delivery ballast 123 improves thedistance and accuracy of a thrown delivery in windy conditions. Thoughnot limiting, the ballast can be a granular ballast 122. Afterinflation, ballast 122 holds SOS-PFD marker 124 upright so it can befound by the MOB. The circumferential ballast 123 can be comprised ofhigh-density granular elements 122 to reduce impact in case the markerstrikes MOB. Additional ballast from batteries 120, steel cylinders andinflators are consolidated at one end of the SOS-PFD marker 124. Thebatteries are replaced through reversible closure means 110. The OffShore version of the Thrown SOS-PFD 124 includes a high strength harness114 secured along a portion of the SOS-PFD marker. Loops 118 are in useto set the size the life ring bladder to match the victim's chest.Unused loops 121 are available for a victim with a larger chest diameteror to expand the rescue ring to accommodate a child or other victim.Female chest strap closure means 117 is secured to adjustably positionedmale closure means 119. Harness mounted D-Rings 116 are used to secure atowline during rescue efforts.

[0102]FIG. 5 shows the pleomorphic bladder 150 and a selection ofconfigurations into which it can be interconverted. As a single bladder150, it may initially be deployed as a chest mounted inflatable Type IPFD 140 once released from cover 141 during automatic inflation uponimmersion. The high thoracic position provides optimal correctiveturning to victim 24 but minimal freeboard 144. If conscious, the victimcan release one arm and convert the Type I PFD 140 can convert into ayoke collar style Type II or Type III PFD 142 as seen in the upper righthand drawing. The support behind the victim's head improves freeboard145 but at the expense of reduced corrective turning torque. Complianceis primarily based on bulk; towards that end a very small zipper 178high on the chest allows the lower arms to flare a distance X 149. Asthe inflatable arms are pulled to each side they reduce the amount ofwaist strap webbing 148 that must be included. In place of the cheststrap, which must be long enough to go around the largest intended user,reduced waist strap 148 as seen in the upper right hand drawing of FIG.5 reduces bulk and cost, both of which improve compliance.

[0103] The middle left hand drawing shows the conversion of bladder 150into a Type IV life ring 143 by swinging bladder around the chest underboth arms conferring the greatest freeboard 146 but poorest airwayprotection in the event of loss of consciousness. Use of D-Rings 116 asseen in FIG. 4 allows bladder 150 to be used as a towing or liftingharness. The middle right hand drawing shows one arm of bladder 150released to create an attached SOS marker 4 and buoyant aid providingminimal buoyant assistance assessed as minimal freeboard 147. Whenbladder 150 is attached to the victim it utilizes the ballast of thebody to orient the SOS marker in a vertical position. If indicated theSOS marker can be completely separated and swung about while being helda loft for maximal visibility to attract the attention of an ongoingsearch and rescue effort. Chest strap 12 can utilize retainer loop 13 incombination with adjustable female closure means 117 and male closuremeans 119 to reconfigure the basic pleomorphic tube 150 into a life ring143 or yoke collar PFD 142 as seen in the lower drawings.

[0104]FIG. 6 is a deployed Heave Line SOS-PFD device 160. The SOS-PFDstarts out stowed 161 in which the SOS-PFD bladder 101 and wateractivated inflator element 102 are contained within Heave valise 164along with loosely coiled line 162. Heave rope wrist loop 163 remainsattached as line 162 pays out. On contact with water CO2 inflator 9inflates and deploys SOS-PFD marker 160. Releasable ballast means 176 issuspended by a multi-point harness 174 and connects to chest strapbuckle 175. The Heave Line SOS-PFD bladder 160 weld line 171 issurrounded by sewable fabric 172 that allows buckle 175 to be secured tobladder at attachment means 173.

[0105] Complementary zippers 178 at each end of the SOS PFD are used toconvert the signal marker into a secure adjustably sized yoke collarstyle PFD. Dual sided locking zipper pull 180 allows the PFD to be puton from either side. Strap 12 goes around the back when configured as ayoke collar style PFD and around the chest configured as a life sling. Asingle guide 13 directs strap 12 to connect attached adjustable,quick-release, reversible closure buckles 117 and 119, which isdiscussed in FIG. 5.

[0106] The inclusion of concurrent terminal closure means such as theadjustable length strap with male buckle 181 and adjustable length strapwith female closure 165 allow the pleomorphic bladder 150 to be utilizedin an increased range of configurations as shown in FIG. 10 wherevarious single and multiple person buoyant thermal product devices canbe created as dictated by the specific demands disaster at sea.

[0107] The construction of releasable ballast means 176 is demonstratedin FIG. 6. The initial weld 166 creates empty pouch 177 into which isplaced environmentally safe anti-oxidant covered granular ballast 167,which is sealed closed at 168. Bladder free zones 169 allow the ballastsystem to be sewn into a circle and attachment of the quick releasesuspension harness 174. Chamber 182 can contain water and chamber 183can contain liquid nutrition. The number of chambers is not consideredlimited to any specific number. Also, other liquids can be provided inchamber 182 and/or chamber 182. The combined liquid ballast is effectivefor delivery but disappear upon submersion thereby not degrading netbuoyancy or maximum buoy height above the waters surface.

[0108]FIG. 7 illustrates a waist mounted SOS-PFD device 200. The waiststrap 199 supports blow apart pocket 194 that is separated into twopneumatic releasable components. The compressed gas cylinder 192 isattached to a manually activated inflator 191 and by a lanyard ofrestricted length 198 that incorporates a double-sided fabric hookmeans, which allows closure of the fabric loop 195 along one edge. Thelength of lanyard 198 can be specific such that if the bladder is notcorrectly packed, hook 196 will not reach loop 195 and pocket 194 willbe agape notifying that the inflator 191 may be strangulated by lanyard198. If correctly packed the manual detonation handle 197 is accessiblefrom outside and pocket 194 is completely closed. Upon pullingdetonation handle 197, waist mounted SOS-PFD bladder 203 inflates. TheSOS marker can be wrapped around the neck and secure in front of thechest by use of chest closure means 201. Back strap 202 can then besecured to complementary quick release buckle 204 creating a yoke collarstyle PFD from the marking tube.

[0109]FIG. 8 depicts divers SOS-PFD-Equipment Buoy 220. For routine usethe equipment buoy 235 is sized to support both integral weight pockets234. In an emergency one weight is jettisoned and the SOS Flag zipper236 is opened 237 and the low profile equipment buoy 235 rises out ofthe water 31 and converts into a free standing SOS marker. The SelfContained Breathing Apparatus 225 or SCUBA tank 225 is attached to thediver's jacket 227. A rear buoyancy compensation bladder 226 is providedby some dive gear placing a strong posterior buoyant moment on the diverrequiring that PFD 230 include enlarged anterior portions 224 tocompensate. The diver's jacket carries the deflated and stowedSOS-PFD-Equipment Buoy 229 until needed. The diver's jacket 227 can beoutfitted to include complementary mounting means 228 that receive thedual-purpose fasteners on the Divers SOS-PFD-Equipment Buoy 220. If thediver is forced to jettison their equipment the cephalo-thoracic bladder230 separates away to become an independent PFD 231.

[0110]FIG. 9 is a ‘Mylar’ or more accurately a linear low-densitypolyethylene (“LLDPE”) PFD-SOS Marker 250. The self-sealing thin-filmvalve 251 can be orally inflated because the rigidified inlet orifice252 keeps the inlet of the valve open during labial compression. Theharness 179 can be sewn 254 to a weldable polyethylene tab 253 that alsowelds 255 within the bladder seam. A compression band 256 occupies aninflatable groove 257 so that upon inflation the stress of the chambersis borne by the webbing band 256. The ultra thin nature of the LLDPEfilm allows full redundancy of the PFD chambers 258. A third chamber 259can be used concurrently as an SOS Marker while wearing the PFD or itcan be serve as a rescue device or back up personal PFD.

[0111]FIG. 10 is a composite of the more common embodiments of theSOS—HELP—Enhanced life ring—Ram life jacket—PFD (“SHERP”) SurvivalDevice (“SSD”). The central drawing demonstrates the SHERP bladderdeployed as primary ram life jacket 300. When the SHERP is stowed on theanterior centerline it is held in a position such that it functions asan airway protective ram life jacket. The top of the SHERP bladder 304can be held in a flexed position so that it engages the mandible,reorienting the cephalic ballast of the head 308 so that it is posteriorto the axis of rotation 310. Notably the frontal of the head is primaryair filled and potentially buoyant since it is comprised predominantlyof the oral-pharyngeal cavities and cluster of maxillary and frontalsinus 309. The straps are named for their position when the SHERPbladder is worn as a traditional Yoke Collar PFD. In the center drawingthe dual strap SHERP is shown in the primary ram configuration 300 inwhich the lower strap is now functioning as an upper chest strap 303 andthe upper strap is now functioning as a lower chest strap 301. The dualstraps 301 and 303 create a planar mount 307 stabilizing the pneumaticmechanical ram 306 and the appended sub-mandibular loculation 306. Inboth the primary and secondary ram life jacket configurations the lowerportion of the SHERP flexes at 302 so that the bladder is doubled backon top of itself 307 placing a majority of the buoyant force in theanterior cervical area. In the lower central drawing the SHERP bladderis configured into a Yoke Collar PFD 320 with the lower strap as acrotch strap 321 and the upper strap serving as a chest strap 322. Thesingle leg crotch strap 321 reduces ride up during a jumping water entryand prevents the victim from sliding out of the PFD in an agitated seastate.

[0112] In the lower right hand drawing the SHERP is configured as aspray and splash shield 380 providing the nose, mouth and eyes withprotection from splash and driving rain while providing unobstructedventilation. In the spray shield configuration 380 both the crotch strap321 and the upper chest strap 322 of the previous drawing are freed. TheSHERP bladder is zipped along the midline by zipper 178. Then the upperstrap, which is attached 383 at the out seam 384, is converted into aneck strap 381. The flexion of both arms of the SHERP bladder at thechin creates a strong anterior displacement 382, which is complementedby the majority of the heads ballast 308 being posterior to the axis ofrotation. The lower strap 303 is not used in the SHERP spray shield.

[0113] In the middle right hand drawing the inflatable PFD is convertedinto a SOS distress marker 4. Once the SHERP bladder is pressurized torigidity an x length of the bladder 343 should be submerged in order toorient y length of bladder 342 vertically in the air. The lower strap341 with its adjustable male buckle is sized to the thigh and secured toa second female connector 345. Only when the body angle is greater thanabout 20 degrees is their sufficient submersion of the SOS SHERP bladderto loft the marker. In a zero body angle there is insufficientsubmersion and the SOS marker lies on the water's surface rather thanperpendicular to the water's surface. Demonstrated on the SOS SHERPbladder is upper strap 301 and its male connector 312 and complementaryfemale upper strap connector 313. Lower strap 303 is in use as thighstrap 341 in this particular SHERP bladder configuration. Complementarylower strap female connector is shown at 314. It is also noteworthy thatif the power supply for the auditory and visual signals 11 is located onthe same end then the amount of submerged bladder x 343 is increased. Ifsignificant ballast is attached to the top of the marker it requires theconscious victim to use an arm to force additional bladder underwater inorder to achieve a vertical position to the signals 11.

[0114] In the upper right hand corner drawing the SHERP bladder isconfigured as an ellipsoid PFD with an about 30-degree body angle 350.The arms of the SHERP bladder are brought over the shoulders 352 andfastened behind the back creating a strong posterior inferior buoyantmoment 351. This configuration places the preponderance of the bladdersvolume beneath the water 354 when floating in the face up positionunlike the Yoke Collar PFD where the majority of the bladder's volumesits upon the victim's chest, out of the water, when floating face upwhere it does not create a useable displacement force for the victim. Asa PFD the about 30-degree body angle SHERP PFD lacks sufficient torqueto classify it as an airway protective life jacket yet for the consciousvictim the about 30-degree PFD creates a very comfortable and stablesurface position with the head and neck supported 332. The increasedamount of submerged bladder 354 creates significantly improved freeboard145 above the water's surface 31. From this elevated position thesurvivor can monitor for search and rescue activity.

[0115] The lower left drawing shows the HELP Compression Sling 330configuration of the SHERP bladder. The single most important thing theMOB 24 can do to improve their chance of survival is reduce heat loss.HELP reduces surface area exposed 335 to the rapid convective losses ofimmersion. The SHERP HELP Compression Sling 330 is sized to theindividual by adjusting the inferior strap now functioning as acompression stirrup 333 against the cephalo-cervical cradle 332. The MOB24 is held up within the SHERP bladder by use of the upper strap as aback sling 334. The right buoyant member 331 acts as one of thebilateral buoyant outriggers, which oppose efforts to roll away from thehead up position.

[0116] The middle left hand drawing shows the SHERP bladder configuredas an enhanced life ring 370. In the drawing the upper strap nowfunctions as a cross over strap 372, connecting to the lower femalecomplementary connector 373 wrapping the SHERP bladder around the chest143. The SHERP life ring is enhanced over existing life rings because itdoubles the displacement on the anterior aspect of the MOB 24 where ifthe victim suffers a loss of consciousness they now have an imbalance inthe applied forces about the victim in which the anterior forces aregreater than the posterior forces resulting in an increased chance ofbeing pushed backwards. Further, the SHERP Life Ring is enhanced overtraditional life rings in that it has multiple adjustments to allow itto accommodate a wide range of chest sizes or interconnect to otherSHERP bladders to facilitate recommended thermal protective huddling oftwo or more survivors at sea.

[0117] The upper left hand drawing shows the SHERP bladder convertedinto a secondary ram life jacket 360 which simultaneously providesmechanical positioning of the cephalic ballast 308 posterior to axis 310as required for airway protection while integrating posterior cephalicbuoyant support 332 for improved freeboard. Thus as night settles makingrescue efforts less likely, the survivor may be willing to trade off aportion of the vertical freeboard associated with the SHERP Life Ring370 in order to improve airway protection. Any SHERP PFD can beconverted into a life jacket by converting the lower chest strap 303,crotch strap 321 or thigh strap 341 into a neck strap 361. In thesecondary ram life jacket configuration 360 the upper strap 301functions as a chest strap. Both lower arms of the SHERP bladder areflexed at 302 bringing the lower portion of the SHERP bladder intojuxtaposition with the mandible. In addition to the mechanical ram 306effects the reconfiguration results in a doubling of the high thoracicbuoyant moment 362 which is most efficient at driving correctiveturning.

[0118] In FIG. 11 a triple SHERP water safety and survival system 400 isillustrated. The primary ram life jacket 300 is constructed from highdurability, high bulk, and high cost fabric. The bulky, high durabilityprimary ram life jacket 401 is shown deployed in position where it hascombined the posterior ballast of the head 308 with the anterior highthoracic buoyant moment 362 in order to provide corrective rotation.Complementing the expensive bulky primary ram SHERP life jacket 401 is a30-degree body angle PFD 350. Since this a secondary bladder not capableof providing airway protection it is constructed from thin, inexpensivefabric such as a LLDPE. Secondary PFD 403 nonetheless contributesdramatically to improved vertical clearance i.e. freeboard, from thewater's surface 31. Secondary 30-degree PFD 403 also improves improvedsurface positioning for monitoring for search and rescue activities. Inaddition PFD bladder 403 provides a fully redundant chamber in case offailure of the primary chamber, as a SHERP bladder the secondary PFD 350can be converted in-water to perform as the primary life jacket 300 ifrequired. A third inexpensive, lightweight, narrow diameter SHERPbladder 406 can serve as a dedicated SOS distress marker 4. SHERPchamber 406 allows continuous hands free signaling of a MOB location andof the need for emergency assistance without requiring that either theprimary life jacket or secondary PFD be sacrificed. The hands free SHERPSOS Marker 340 is preferably secured the at the leg area. Where thethigh strap 341 employs a buckle for a secure and quick adjustedconnection, then the complementary buckle 345 should be located at thesame end of a SHERP bladder dedicated to SOS signaling. Alternatively,attachment with ties or snaps can save cost and bulk but are regarded asmore difficult to operate with cold hands and less secure duringextended survival situations. The hands free SOS SHERP marker 340 can beimprinted with international icons 405 instructing the user in thevarious water safety and survival configurations of the SHERP bladder.

[0119] The inclusion of a second complementary buckle 314 at theopposite end of the bladder 4 allows SOS distress marker 4 to beconverted into an abdominal bladder 411 that converts the SHERP survivalsystem 400 into a zero degree body angle open ocean flotation system 410that provides airway protection by way of the rugged life jacket 401with enhanced freeboard from the secondary PFD 350. The doubling of theposterior buoyancy 412 of the abdominal bladder 411 prevents bottom ofwave trough submersion in the event of rolling swell or worsening SeaState. Tertiary SHERP SOS signal bladder 406 when outfitted with theconnections at opposite ends 303 and 314 allows a fuller range of PFDand thermal protective functions as dictated by the particular survivalscenario. The multi-chambered SHERP survival system 400 providessufficient redundancy to allow one or more chambers 404 to be used asrescue devices to assist other survivors while retaining the primaryairway protective life jacket. Construction of SHERP bladders 404 fromunsupported thin film introduces the possibility of carrying many SHERPbladders providing an extreme level of protection for the MOB.Unparalleled corrective rotation, dramatic freeboard, unimagined levelsredundancy that now brings the inflatable in line with the inherentlybuoyant device in terms of reliability. The use of a multiplicity ofSHERPs 404, preferably constructed from MYLAR film, brings a uniquelevel of thermal protection to an individual or group, all at a fractionof the cost of the current single chamber inflatable PFD.

[0120] In the upper drawing of FIG. 12 an oversized SHERP bladder 432 isconstrained from full inflation by an external fabric shell 431. Theexternal shell 431 shapes the internal SHERP bladder into a configuredmandibulo-cephalic ram 430. A combined LLDPE coupler and inflate-deflatevalve 434 is welded in seam 435 allowing reversible fluid communication436. The inner SHERP bladder is inflated until the outer shell issufficiently rigid in order to perform as a mechanical ram andhyperextend the neck 433 converting the cephalic ballast into acontributing keeling force 437. The ram is securely mounted on thevictim 24 by way of chest strap 12. The external fabric shell 431includes a reversible closure means 438 so that the internal SHERPbladder 432 can be removed for alternative uses.

[0121] In the lower series of drawings in FIG. 12 a typical SOLASOffshore Inherently buoyant PFD is shown. The drawing on far left is ofthe anterior face of a Type I PFD 441. The second drawing from the leftis of the lateral face of a Type I PFD 442. In the far left drawing aseries of deflated SHERP bladders 440 are stowed within and protected bythe external fabric cover 431. The stowed fabric gusset 444 of thesecond drawing expands upon inflation in the third and fourth drawings.The inflation of the primary high durability SHERP life jacket bladder401 is configured by the fabric shell 431 thereby determining the finalshape of the hybrid elements including an integrated ram 446 and lateralcervical splint component 445. The secondary lightweight SHERP bladders404 remain deflated until removed through access zipper 447.

[0122]FIG. 13 illustrates the distinctions of the SHERP Enhanced LifeRing when used for more than a single survivor. In addition to thesingle person life ring seen in FIG. 1, the adjustable life ringperimeter 502 is an adaptation of the lower strap 303 as seen in FIG. 1.Connection of the variable length strap 502 to a complementary connector314 allows the diameter of the life ring to expand 502 to encompass twosurvivors huddling 501 as recommended in order to conserve body heat. Asingle SHERP Enhanced Life ring can act by itself as a two personthermally protective PFD 500. If both survivors are in possession ofmultiple SHERP bladder survival systems as might include a highdurability primary SHERP bladder 401 as well as a secondary lighterweight SHERP bladders 404, the bladders can be stacked in combination504 as shown in the upper right hand drawing providing tremendousvertical freeboard while providing protection from the convective lossesabout the outer perimeter of the huddled survivors. In addition the dualstrap SHERP 311 with its multiple attachment points allows markedvariability in expanding the Enhanced Life Ring diameter 510 which canbe used to compress 4 survivors into a thermally protective huddle. 505.Upper SHERP bladder 506 and lower SHERP bladder 50 can be connected byan upper male to lower female interconnection 508 and lower male toupper female connection 509 that can be easily expanded to include newsurvivors as they are found. Upper right hand drawing shows primary lifering compressive closures 511 as well as the secondary closures thatsecure the individual rings into a stack reducing water movement intothe thermal huddle 505.

[0123]FIG. 14 is a variably mounted, variable function bladder dependingupon mounting orientation it can be a mandibular ram 520, abdominalbladder 540 or thrown SOS marker/Rescue PFD 521. The universal bodyarmor mount 526 allows the bladder to be mounted at the top, side orbottom. The use of perimeter doubled sided snaps 527 allow adjacentpockets to mount in a close packed configuration. A dummy bobbin 541replaces the water activating bobbin converting the normally wateractivated inflator into a manually activated inflator allowing exposureof the PFD to splash or rain water. Quick release lanyard lock 542prevents inadvertent removal of the fabric lock component 543, which isconnected by lanyard 544 to the inflator. Cylinder sizing restrictor 545prevents an over sized cylinder from being mated to the manual inflator543. As seen in the lower drawing, when the bladder is mountedvertically the bladder can be a stowed abdominal bladder 547 that can bereleased to create a redundant PFD. If pocket 528 is full ofhigh-density ballast it serves to orient the SOS marker into a verticalposition in the water when SHERP rescue PFD 520 is removed and thrown.

[0124] In FIG. 15 a position dependant ram, yoke collar PFD, abdominalbladder, thrown rescue marker and SHERP PFD 521 is combined with a highdensity pocket 528 carrying lead bullets. The ballast of pocket 528 andbladder 521 combine to form a quick-release ballast-oriented thrownSOS-PFD 560. Pocket 528 can be sewn to shared backing fabric 562.Additional fasteners 561 allow attaching ½ size pocket 566 or fabricmounted 570 bladder 569. The traditional body armor vest snap grid isabout 2″ square while additional male snaps 561 are only about 1″ awayfrom the corner piggyback posterior female anterior male snap 565. Inthe upper left hand drawing the ½ size pocket space is blank 563.Alternatively, an anterior flange 567 connects the snap mounted pocket528 with posterior bladder 569 stowed behind the protective body armor.The compressed gas inflator 568 can parallel the inferior edge of bodyarmor 572 and the inferior edge of the Abdominal Bladder-SOS marker-PFD571.

[0125]FIG. 16 illustrates the use of the flexible fabric fitment 315 tobridge between a sewn attachment and a welded attachment. The weldablelaminate coating strongly supported fabric 603 allows the localizedstrain of a webbing strap 301 or 303 or a buckle such as 313 or 620 tobe distributed over a larger area of very lightweight supported orunsupported bladder fabric 607. The rapid compressed gas inflation uponexposure of inflator 9 to water transfers significant strain to weldablebelt loops 600 and 617. The flexible fabric fitments 315 are constructedfrom a strong fabric core that can be laminated on both sides withweldable plastic 603. The fitments can be welded 606 to both outerbladder layers 607 of lightweight bladder fabric 607. Fitments 315eliminate the perforation of the lightweight bladder fabric that occursduring traditional sewing attachment of straps. Flexible fabric webbingconnector 601 allows bar tacking 615 of the upper strap 301 to a fitment601. The strain applied to the strap 301 is distributed over a largerarea of the bladder fabric 607 because the broad base X 616 of thefitment are welded 606 to an extended length of the lightweight bladderfabric 607.

[0126] When lower strap 303 functions as a HELP compression stirruptremendous forces are transmitted through strap 303, which is bar tackedto semi-circular HELP stirrup fitment 620. Stirrup fitment 620 isconstructed from a heavy fabric supported double laminate 603, whichdistributes the force across the entire end of the SHERP bladder. Lowerstrap 303 can also act as a hands free SOS marker by attaching strap 303to complementary buckle 345 located on the same bladder end. Thedeflated SHERP bladder can be folded at 612 so that the side belt loopfitments 600 and submandibular fitment 617 are brought intojuxtaposition. SHERP ram mounting strap 609 can be secured by reversibleattachment means 610. The ram bladder is stowed within cover 611 and canbe inflated orally 8 or by compressed gas 9. Upon inflation a portion ofthe SHERP bladder forms the mechanical ram 306. The top portion of theSHERP bladder can be folded back and secured by submandibular fitment617 into the sub-mandibular loculation bladder 304.

[0127] The traditional weldable CO2 manifold is actually smaller thandepicted at 618. During emergency use when the CO2 lanyard is yankedsharply to pierce the compressed gas cylinder 9 the force is transferredfrom the small circumference rigid plastic manifold 618 to theintermediary, large diameter supported fabric flange 613. The largefabric manifold fitment 613 distributes the shear force across a greateramount of thin film or lightweight supported bladder fabric 607. Thelower right drawing illustrates an enlarged view of the ramsubmandibular fitment 617. Supported fabric body 603 of fitment 617 canhave gradually radiused internal corners 604 to distribute the tearingforce of the webbing passing through the strap loophole 619.

[0128]FIG. 17 schematically illustrates an assortment of the basic andmodified SHERP bladders 630. Starting from the top, the upper drawing isof a narrow diameter secondary bladder whose primary function is to be aSHERP SOS marker 406; secondary functions would be to be an abdominalbladder or thermal and buoyant life ring. The second bladder is of aBibs SHERP bladder 631 with its notches 707 that create a structuraldistinct posterior cephalic section 709 that creates a neck opening tofacilitate in-water donning. The third bladder is a standard diameterbasic SHERP bladder 631. The fourth drawing is a SHERP bladder 632 witha cephalo-cervical pillow. Cephalic pillow 637 and lateral cervicalpillow 636 can be in fluid communication at 436 with the basic SHERPbladder 631. Bladder 632 retains its linear shape on full inflation foruse as a SOS marker. The fifth bladder is a high displacement SHERPbladder 633. Enlarged bilateral arms supply localized increased buoyancy402 opposing roll into the side high airway submerged position. Thecervical bladder remains at a reduced diameter 403 allowing it to moreeasily turn about the neck. As long as the cephalo cervical narrowing islimited, SHERP bladder 633 can achieve a pressurized linearconfiguration on full inflation allowing bladder 633 be used as a SOSmarker.

[0129] The sixth bladder is a dual chambered SHERP 634 with a low volumecompressed gas chamber 639 combined with a higher volume orally inflatedchamber 640. Compressed gas chamber 639 can be inflated automatically oncontact with water. Pneumatic strut 793 is structurally secured to thegarment via SHERP mounting zipper 645. The pneumatic strut 793 moves aportion of the SHERP buoyancy 804 away from the axis of rotation therebyamplifying its corrective turning torque to create a SHERP garmentintegrated ram life jacket. Once the MOB has survived the initial entry,the SHERP bladder displacement increased by oral inflation of chamber640 provides both increased freeboard and increased lateral stability ofthe SHERP HELP sling. Bladder 634 zipper mounts at 645 into a diverserange of garments and gear as shown in FIG. 19. Shoulder strap devicessuch as a diver's buoyancy compensator or soldier's rucksack requiremedial deviation of the leveraged anterior buoyant moment achieved byuse of medial connectors 795. Body armor vests allow more completeattachment via zipper 645. As such, the leveraged buoyant moment istriangulated laterally by use of the connectors on the lateral face 796.After release of the triangulated leveraged buoyant moment, zipper 178can be closed creating a classic yoke collar inflatable PFD.

[0130] The lowest drawing is of an extended length SHERP bladder 635.The additional length can be useful for stabilizing the HELP posture orcan be necessary to provide sufficient length to drive the ram from aninferior mounting position up into position against the mandible inorder to reposition the cephalic ballast or can be required to doublethe lateral displacement in order offset the diver cylinder that ismarkedly buoyant when empty as seen in item 674 in FIG. 19. Single layercanopy 641 provides protection from sun, wind and driving rain whileinflatable floor 642 provides insulation from convection and conductionlosses associated with immersion. Inflatable floor 642 provides asecondary inflatable HELP ring 643 while the chambers along the bottomof the hull are narrower 644 to improve stability yet continue toprovide insulation from thermal losses.

[0131] In FIG. 18 the extended length SHERP bladder 635 is shown in theupper left hand drawing supporting the victim 24 in the HELP posture650. The HELP sling 330 is shown with the cephalo-cervical buoyantcradle 332 connecting the right stabilizing buoyant arm 331 to the leftarm. The adjustable compression sling 333 holds the victim 24 into thereduced surface area HELP posture 335. The inferior body ballast 651 issuspended from the extended length SHERP HELP bladder 635 by the hullsling upper strap 334. In the middle right hand drawing a Type IIIHybrid PFD 652 uses an external configuring fabric shell 431 to shapethe over sized internal SHERP bladder 432 into a configuredmandibulo-cephalic ram life jacket 430. The oversized SHERP bladder 432uses a portion of the SHERP bladder to function as a mechanical ram 306while the end forms the submandibular loculation 304 that engages themandible to convert the Type III PFD into an airway protective lifejacket 653. The lower left hand drawing shows that the SHERP bladder canbe removed for use as an Rescue PFD 654 for another victim or as a SOSSHERP signal bladder, HELP Sling or used separately or in combination toassemble a thermally protective SHERP enhanced life ring. The extendedSHERP bladder 635 can be fully doubled 305 and the ram bladder 306secured to the underlying bladder by fastening secure releasablecoupling 675. This double lateral bladder 305 can be used by a diver tooffset a buoyant tank as seen at 666 in FIG. 19.

[0132]FIG. 19 illustrates a body armor vest in the upper left-handdrawing that is mounted to a SHERP life jacket 660. This collar lifejacket can be removed from the SHERP compatible body armor vest 664 andtransferred to a SHERP compatible back mounted buoyancy compensator 665,a SHERP compatible vest style buoyancy compensator 666, a SHERPcompatible alimentation-hydration outer most back pack 667, SHERPcompatible fatigues or garment 668, a SHERP compatible rucksack 669 ortransferred to a SHERP compatible universal harness 670 for use over anygarment.

[0133] Complementing the SHERP collar life jacket 660 on the body armorvest can be a snap grid 663 mounted secondary SHERP survival device 661that can serve as an abdominal bladder or be removed and thrown as arescue device. Pocket 528 houses high-density ballast such as bulletsthat orient the SOS marker SHERP. Inflator 568 can be mounted on theinferior edge of the body armor vest while the SHERP bladder can bestowed behind the body armor 560 for protection from ballistics.Complementary PFD attachment 228 allows the inferior edge of the SHERPbladder to be secured to the encircling structure of the body armorvest.

[0134] The upper right hand drawing shows a SHERP compatible backmounted buoyancy compensator 665 with attached SHERP collar Life Jacket660 mounted on dive cylinder 225. The SHERP Collar Life Jacket 660 canbe inflated by a manual inflator 191. The manual activation lanyard islocked at 542 to prevent accidental inflation at depth. Secondary SHERPbladder 661 is secured to cummerbund by overlapping fabric lock 679. TheSHERP cover includes webbing loop 720 through which is threadednon-elastic locking closure 678. This permanently mounts the SHERPbladder so that when inflated considerable force is transferred to anon-elastic locked belt 678. Where transferable SHERP bladder 661 isattached onto cummerbund 765, when the cummerbund is wet and the SHERPdeployed, the force pulls the cummerbund apart. Complementary PFDattachment 228 allows the inferior edge of either SHERP bladder to bere-secured to the encircling structure of the buoyancy compensator afterreleased for use as a signaling marker 3 as in FIG. 1.

[0135] The left hand middle drawing shows a vest style BC with aninflated SHERP Collar life Jacket 666 having an extended length SHERP635 in which the bladder is doubled over at 674 to offset a markedlybuoyant cylinder 673. The doubled bilateral bladders 674 are secured tothe BC by reversible attachment 791. The point on the curve of theshoulder at which the attachment 791 terminates determines the angle x797 that directs the leveraged buoyant moment 804. The extended lengthSHERP bladder 635 is held in the doubled position by complementarybuckle 635 located high on the shoulder. The secondary SHERP 661 can bestowed in a hidden pocket behind the main pocket. A complementary buckle228 can receive the fastener from the primary 660 or secondary 661 SHERPbladder.

[0136] In the right hand middle drawing, an individual, such as asoldier, has their primary SHERP life jacket 660 reversibly attached tothe shoulder straps of their rucksack 669. Secondary SHERP bladders 661can be found on the rucksack sternum strap on the side of their rucksackin a pocket on their rucksack cummerbund and attached via a strap to anammo box. In the lower left hand drawing the primary SHERP Collar lifejacket 660 can be reversibly attached to the soldier's alimentation orhydration system 667 which is often the last piece of gear donned. Asecondary SHERP bladder 661 can be located on the alimentation orhydration system sternum strap. The lower middle drawing primary SHERPbladder 660 can be reversibly attached to the soldier's fatigues orother garment 668. A secondary SHERP bladder can be carried on thesoldier's belt. A belt loop mounted complementary buckle 671 allowseither the primary SHERP bladder 660 or secondary SHERP 661 to besecured to the encircling belt 676. In order for the primary SHERP lifejacket 660 to operate on contact with the water the garment should besecurely closed 672 in order to provide the functional positioning ofthe buoyant moment on the unconscious victim's body. The lower righthand drawing shows a universal harness chest strap 677 that receives theprimary SHERP bladder 660 so that it can be adapted to be worn on foulweather gear or any other garment. A thin film secondary SHERP bladder661 can fit within the margins of the harness.

[0137] In FIG. 20 a fisherman or sailor's bibs or waders integrates aSHERP life jacket 680. A Pop-Up Bibs ram SHERP bladder 681 can benefitfrom an extended zipper 708 that converts the dual ventral arms 710 ofthe yoke collar SHERP bladder into a single cylinder. The upper strap682 is drawn tight creating a convex surface on the posterior side thatfaces the wearer forcing the ballast of the head backwards into the axisof rotation. Further the fusion of the left and right arms supports theface out of the water in the seconds before corrective turning isaccomplished (i.e. creates freeboard from the waters surface in the facedown position). Lower strap 684 attaches to a complementary buckleattached at top center. The length of lower strap webbing is adjusted asdirected by visual indicator 685 to create the appropriate length strap684. Upon inflation of Bibs ram SHERP bladder 681 tension is generatedin strap 684 flexing the Bibs ram 681 at notch 687 and about strap 682to create a perpendicular buoyant moment 700 that amplifies thecorrective turning torque in proportion to the length x of lever arm683. As the distance X increases the force of the same amount ofdisplacement is increased. Upon release of the tensioning strap 684 andthe buckle that secured the convexity forming strap 682 and partiallowering of zipper 708, notch 707 defines and creates a distinctposterior cephalic portion of the SHERP bladder 709 which opens tocreates a clear passage for the head, easing in water conversion from aBibs Ram SHERP into a classic Yoke Collar PFD.

[0138] In the right hand drawing integrated pocket 690 has openings 692at the bottom that allow passage of both lower straps 303 as well asdrain pocket 690 of any water that may enter. Lower strap elements 303of the SHERP bladder can be secured to complementary connectors 693attached to the inside bibs. Securely attaching the bladder to the pantseffectively creates a complex seat or bilateral crotch strap systemindicated by the dashed circle 694, which encompasses the crotchsecuring elements. The integration of the pants into the life jacketprovides an incomparable grasp of the unconscious victim preventing themfrom slipping out of the SHERP life jacket regardless of sea state.

[0139] As seen in the upper right hand drawing when lanyard pull 689 isactivated, the ripcord integrated cover closure 688 is pulled from thefabric lock and deflated SHERP 702 pops up to its fully inflated state681. Alternatively water contact can activate inflator 9 to causedeployment if the fisherman hits their head while slipping in the riverleading to deployment of the airway protective life jacket. SHERPstorage pocket 690 can be held in a reduced configuration by fabric 706and as the bladder is inflated fabric 706 is peeled open. Storage cover690 also acts a guide funnel directing the bladder up between the bibshoulder straps until tension is generated in strap 684, which thenflexes bladder 681. Upon full pressurization the levered buoyant moment700 is positioned to optimize corrective rotation with an absoluteminimum of compressed gas.

[0140] In FIG. 21 a traditional inflatable is augmented by inclusion oflower SHERP strap 303 with its male buckle 316. The complementary femalebuckle 314 can be located on the other arm. Strap 303 can be sized to beof sufficient length to not just close the two ventral arms of theinflatable life jacket but also to wrap around the feet and compress thelegs against the chest as seen in the upper right hand drawing (HELPcompression sling 333 holds the victim in the HELP posture 335). In someexisting inflatable PFD designs the chest strap is part of a harness inwhich once the front is open 723 the back component acts as a cradle728. While the traditional inflatable PFD with the addition ofcomplementary lower straps 721 can be used as a stand alone HELPcompression sling 722 it can also be coupled with a second dual orsingle strap SHERP bladder 725 which upon inflation can close theextended neck opening 727 of the traditional PFD converting the PFD intoan airway protective life jacket by controlling the positioning of theballast of the head. A weldable belt fitment 600 allows a reversibleclosure 726 to keep the dual chambered PFD in position until the SHERPbladder 725 is released for use as a signal device, rescue device ormulti-person PFD.

[0141] As seen in the middle row right hand drawing modification of thetraditional PFD by inclusion of the SHERP lower straps 721 allows it toparticipate with the secondary SHERP bladder 725 in the creation of amulti-person compression life ring 724. The SHERP bladder 725 andModified PFD 721 can be joined by the complementary fasteners to createan infinitely expandable compression life ring. Adjustable straps 502allow the device to first be sized then to be adjusted to compress andhold the victims against each other to conserve core temperature. Thehuddle position is the currently recommended action to be taken by agroup of survivors in order to extend survival in hypothermic waters. Inthe lower left hand corner is a close up of a low profile SHERP bladder671 mounted on a universal mount 738 that includes a pocket that can betailored in three dimensions to fit a wide range of cell phones 676, VHFboaters radio or marine equipment. Fixed horizontal pocket adjustment731 can be attached to lower fixed vertical pocket adjustment 734. Withthe phone or other equipment in place, the upper fixed vertical pocketadjustment is snugged up against the pocket contents. Pocket closure 732then pushes the contents against the end strap 731 and the contents issecurely retained even in an agitated sea way.

[0142] Both the variably sized pocket 676 and low profile SHERP 671 canbe mounted on a universal strap, belt or cummerbund mount 738. Theuniversal strap mounting means combined with variably sized pocket 676and low profile SHERP cover 671 creates a PFD that can be used withdiver gear, swim wear, dress clothing, boating garments, existing PFDs,etc. The diver's buoyancy compensator has a cummerbund that is 4″-6″ inwidth. The technical BC has a 2″ webbing waist strap that slides througha sewn sleeve and the multi-function low profile cover comes with a beltconstructed from UL listed 1″ webbing and buckles. A reversible closuremeans allows the multi-function cover to be secure around a PFD cheststrap that is sewn onto the PFD and not threaded through the sewn coversleeve. This same reversible closure allows the SHERP bladder to be usedwith any secure harness or belt. Due to the small size of the SHERPbladder a compressed gas cylinder 192 and manual inflator 191 extendpast the deflated SOS-PFD 101. Cylinder 192 can be housed in sleeve 806that can size the cylinder to help ensure that the cylinder is not tolarge for the bladder and also serves to hold the cylinder and attachedbladder to mounting means 738 while locking lanyard 542 is released andpulled. Inflator lever arm 737 pierces cylinder 192. Without sleeve 806the bladder deploys and falls away from upper bladder cover 735 andlower bladder cover 736 and hangs down from the waist. While a strapsecures the deflated bladder to the cover and thus to the underlyingwaist strap or cummerbund in its pendulous state, it can be hard toapply sufficient force to piercing lever arm 737 to effectuate inflationwith the sizing cylinder mounting sleeve 806.

[0143] In FIG. 22 a BC integrated SHERP PFD is generally indicated at750. If the BC is adapted to receive the SHERP PFD the sternum strap canbe oversized to wrap around the PFD bladder and closes by thetraditional adjustable side release buckle 763. The presence ofcomplementary fasteners 228 built into the BC such as the BC integratedfemale side release 760 and male side release 759 allow the buoyantforce to be transferred to the dive jacket harness with its variousencircling members inherent in the fabric and webbing of the BC shoulderstraps 764 and cummerbund waist belt. When the SHERP bladder is securedto the BC at 759 and 760 and cinched to the BC by sternum strap 751 thebladder assumes the traditional Yoke collar style 766. As seen in theside view of FIG. 8, the bladder enhances the thoracic and cephalicbuoyancy 230, yet can also separate from the BC, if the gear has to beditched, to allow the SHERP bladder to function independently as aninflatable PFD 231 as also seen in FIG. 8.

[0144] In FIG. 22 when the SHERP bladder is deflated it can be stowedbeneath cover flap 761 and held in position by a fabric lock 762. Oncethe SHERP bladder is inflated the force transferred through 759 and or760 could separate the cummerbund traditionally secured by hook andloop. To prevent this separation the cummerbund can locked together byfastener 752. For non-emergency use, right integrated weight pocket 757can be released at fastener 758 and/or the left integrated pocket 755released at fastener 756. One or both weights from pockets 755 and/or757 can then be transferred to the SHERP bladder to orient the distressmarker for hands free signaling.

[0145] An additional level of integration occurs when the BC is adaptedwith a conduit 753 to allow air to pass from the BC bladder directlyinto the SHERP bladder. Inclusion of a quick disconnect allows the SHERPbladder to be used independently as a bottom marker, ascent line buoy,rescue inflatable or as a dully independent PFD for boating or otherwater sports. As an alternative source of inflation a manually activatedCO2 system 767 can be provided and allows inflation of the SHERP in theevent of failure of the primary dive gear or when in use as a PFD whileboating to the dive site. Thus, a SCUBA divers has several options otherthan buy a new BC 750.

[0146] In FIG. 23 the BC can be designed to convert the straightinflated distress marker 740 into a Yoke Collar style Type I or II PFD142. The generic distress marker 740 may be orally inflated 8, orinflated from the SCUBA cylinder or CO2 cylinder. The sternum strap 751is sized to reach around the double over distress marker then cinch itsecurely down onto the BC. The cummerbund strap with reversible closuremeans is sized to fit over the doubled up distress marker 740 and securethe buoyant moment against the divers waist. While the BC maybe designedto use only the sternum strap 751 or the cummerbund strap 741 the use ofboth creates a better purchase on a generic cylindrical distress marker740 to keep it from slipping out in mounting seaway. Likewise othergarments, back packs, rescue harnesses, tow harnesses can be modified tomount fielded distress markers. While inclusion of a fastener means onthe straight cylinder improves the speed and security of converting thesignal tube into a PFD, a garment can be constructed to reconfigure theinflatable cylindrical marker to have the choice of using generic tubes140 for the PFD and conserving the SHERP bladder with fasteners forconcurrent use as a HELP compression sling or enhanced life ring for adiver and their buddy adrift in a current.

[0147] In the upper row right hand drawing a self contained retrofitSHERP bladder and cover 785 are shown. In SHERP bladder storage cover761 is a cylinder sleeve 806 not only restricts the size of the cylinderso that if the SHERP is being used separately that the bladder is notover-inflated but also holds the inflator stationary during emergencydetonation. Without the sleeve mounting the inflator the deflated SHERPbladder may allow the inflator to be pulled away from the pocket withoutdetonation. Retrofit SHERP pockets would also benefit as they are madeto mount on preexisting BCs. As shown in the middle far right insertdrawing, sleeve 806 can secure the cylinder to the cover 761 tofacilitate detonation. In the upper right drawing a back mounted BC 226is shown having a deflated SHERP bladder 786 which can be both stowedand mounted by complementary male buckle 759 and female buckle 760 tothe inside of the SHERP storage retrofit cover 785. The retrofit covercan be secured to the BC cummerbund by utilizing the existing lockingstrap 783, which can be threaded through loops 805. This strongmechanical lock helps to prevent the buoyant force of the inflated SHERPbladder from pulling the cummerbund apart. While compression of thebladder at its inferior edge as indicated at 784 may result, a lockingattachment of the SHERPs buoyant force to the BC for fielded BCs isallowed.

[0148] In the center drawing the BC SHERP deploys a pneumatic strut 793to generate a leveraged buoyant moment 804 amplifying strut 790.Triangulation strap 794 can attach to upper complementary fastener. Asthe bladder is pressurized strap 794 causes the end of the bladder toflex. The length of the flexed arm x 804 is the leveraged buoyantmoment, which generates increased torque per unit displacement. TheSHERP bladder can be zipped 791 to the shoulder area of the vest styleBC 792, or otherwise removably attached. The point at which theattachment terminates 798 sets the angle 797 for submerging thepneumatic strut 793 to drive corrective turning. If the angle is toogreat the diver may float vertically in an airway-submerged position.The strut once release can be fastened to the body of the BC bycomplementary buckles 228. The BC can be held to a negative, neutral orminimally buoyant tank 803 by tank band 799.

[0149] In the lower left hand drawing deflated SHERP bladder is stowedin the shoulder strap area beneath cover 788. Emergency CO2 inflator 767has its actuation lanyard locked closed at 542 to prevent accidentalinflation at depth. A second low profile SHERP bladder 744 can beintegrated into the cummerbund 765. The deployment of the cummerbundSHERP 744 may pull the cummerbund apart in view of the vast majoritypreferably secured by hook and loop fasteners. Once the hook and loopfasteners become wet they lose a considerable amount of the strength. Asecond closure means 746 can be a strap with quick release lockingclosure 763 which can be pulled tight securing the underlying cummerbund765 in normal applications. When mounting the buoyant force of the SHERPbladder to a single side of the cummerbund it may pull that ½ of thecummerbund out from underneath the overlying strap 746. The inclusion ofa retainer strap 745 ties the SHERP's buoyant force applied to the tophalf of the cummerbund to the locked waist encircling member. Theencircling member can be constructed by in part strap 746, the lateralcomponent of the harness 747 and the posterior component of the harness748. Without retainer 745 the outer half of the cummerbund to which theSHERP is attached may pull free and float at a distance from the diverwhere its buoyancy does not contribute to freeboard or correctiveturning. In the lower right hand drawing the SHERP bladder can besternum strap mounted 800. Power inflator 802 can be adapted to includea valve regulated low-pressure inflation 801 of the SHERP bladder. Quickdisconnect 754 allows the SHERP PFD to be released to ditch the gear orfor use in other sports.

[0150] In FIG. 24 a SHERP-HELP PFD integrates a thermal life bag 820,which can be constructed from additional fabric attached about theperimeter of the SHERP-HELP PFD or a traditional yoke collar PFD. In theupper left hand drawing the thermal bag is folded and stowed 821 aboutthe inflated PFD, which is compressing the victim into the HELP posture335. In the upper right hand drawing a partial bag covers the immersedportion 822 preventing convective losses. The second row left handdrawing depicts an enveloping bag 823 that protects from wind chill aswell as loss to the surrounding water, while the right hand picturedepicts a reversible closure 835 allowing easier access and exitventilation in equatorial environments in the single layer life bag 824.The third row left hand drawing shows the SHERP tube 826 supplyingperimeter buoyant support to inferior and superior covers 825. The thirdrow right hand drawing shows a HELP bag having large diameter inflatableside tubes 643 with smaller diameter tubes 644 on the bottom to helpprevent loss of stability that may occur if the floor is overinflated.Dual floor SHERP HELP bag 827 provides regulated buoyancy and thermalprotection.

[0151] The bottom row left hand drawing shows a thermally protectivecanopy 831 as well as floor. The high displacement sides 643 providebuoyancy and protection from thermal losses. While the low displacementfloor 644 provides protection from thermal loss with destabilizing theHELP life bag 830. The bottom right hand drawing shows a thin film lifebag 832. Rigidified inlet thin film valves 833 allow oral inflationwhile the highly redundant chambers 834 provide protection againstpuncture as well as providing buoyant and thermal protection. The centerdrawing shows a planar layout of a thin film life bag 836. Astructurally defined perimeter tube 837 is connected through fluidcommunication ports 839. Floor perimeter weld 838 encloses the side bagswhile the exposed face 840, beyond the perimeter weld 838, is exposed sothat it can be closed, welded or otherwise sealed back onto itself. Thewhole floor acts as one large chamber enveloping the victim.

[0152] In FIG. 24 the floor chambers can become increasingly complex instructure, With a large single bladder the occupant may sink through thebladder and the upper layer may rest against the lower layer providingreduce insulation but with little impact on stability. The inclusion ofonly a few pressurized chambers may create significant displacementbeneath the occupant such that they may be unstable and inclined to falloff to the side. The right hand drawing in the third row and the lefthand drawing in the bottom row both show the perimeter ring splittingthrough a series of bifurcations into small tubes that pass beneath theoccupant. The small tube entraps air providing needed thermal protectionand some buoyancy but in an amount that does not destabilize or overpower the occupants ballast as is the case with larger tubes. Withoutconscious participation an individual in a larger tube floor may fallover on their side once they can no longer actively balance on the overinflated floor seeking to rise to the surface when place under the forcefrom the occupants ballast.

[0153]FIG. 25 adapts a SHERP to a pull over jacket and/or jacket pantcombination. In the upper left drawing the dual strap SHERP bladder canattach to both the pull over jacket 850 and pants 851. The pulloverjacket with low profile life jacket 858 can contain complementarybuckles 859 that receive the buckles from upper SHERP strap 301 asidentified in the upper row middle drawing. The deflated bladder canattach biaxially 854 and can be stowed within a blow open cover 871which is opened if water comes in contact with the water activatedinflator 9. Bladder 854 and upper SHERP strap 301 can be continuous withthe fabric of the jacket that goes around the back of the victimcreating an encircling member. As shown in the top row middle drawingthe deflated bladder contributes a certain length 860 to the fabricencircling the chest. When deflated the encircling fabric member isloose 856. In the upper row right hand drawing when the bladder isinflated it employs an anterior lever-restraining strap 684, whichcreates a lever amplified anterior buoyant moment 700. As the strapforces anterior flexion of the bladder it moves the buoyant moment adistance of x 683 away from the axis of corrective rotation. Thispneumatic strut is a force amplifier increasing the angular momentumgenerated per gram of CO2. This amplification allows a smaller cylinderto supply the corrective force equivalent to a larger cylinder whosedisplacement is restricted to the torso of the victim. In addition tocreation of a pneumatic strut 700 that moves the buoyant force outboard,inflation also causes the bladder to round up and contract. This reducesthe deflated bladders contribution to the thoracic encircling fabricmember. The new shortened length 861 pulls on the upper straps 301grasping the in-water survivor.

[0154] Middle row right hand drawing shows a center opening jacket 862combining a blow apart throat 863 with a single midline cross overconnection 864 which completes the encircling fabric band comprised ofthe back of the jacket and bladder. A single lower strap connection 865helps keep the bladder positioned. The lower SHERP strap can beconnected to the pants or shorts 866 through a buckle attached with asplit ring 867 to either a belt loop or the zipper pull. Thecomplementary buckle may be attached to a loop and threaded on theshorts 868 or attached to buttonhole 869 and connected to the button onthe pants 866. This results in the significant force of the bladderbeing transferred to a massive crotch strap that can encircle both legs.In the lower left hand drawing the SHERP bladder has been removed fromjacket 870 and transferred to a pocket 200 for carriage on the belt. Oninflation the dual strap SHERP bladder 311 can be initially secured tothe pocket by lower strap 193.

[0155] In the upper left hand drawing of FIG. 26 the upper SHERP strap301 of a dual strap SHERP 311 can be used as a seat to secure the victimin the enhanced life ring and can be widened 885 or include an optimalseat 883 for routine use, such as a fishing float 880. A weldableconnector 601 can be constructed from a heavier weight weldable fabric603 to which is sewn 170 or otherwise attached lower SHERP straps 303 sothat the force of buckle 314 is mounted a distance 881 back from theend. This allows the bladder to abut or overlap at 882. The dual strapSHERP 311 can be stored within fishing or sailing bibs 680.

[0156] In FIG. 27 the use of the dual strap SHERP bladder 311 behind arigid tactical plate 912 of a SHERP compatible body armor vest 664 isshown and can include a localized expansion chamber 902 which is formedby welding at 907 an inner layer against an outer wall. On detonationthe gas rapidly expands the chamber 902 applying force to the highstrength blow apart lock 909. This delayed initial localized expansion910 opens the pneumatic lock 911. After the transient rapid expansion ofthe of the expansion chamber 902 the gas 905 passes through vents 901sized to give a two step inflation. Upon delayed inflation of the of theprimary SHERP bladder 913 the restraint walls 916 redirect the expandingbladder towards the head. A restraint strap 914 limits the release ofthe bladder. This doubles the displacement high on the chest increasingthe corrective turning torque. If the victim is conscious they canrelease strap 914 and the bladder can be slipped over the headconverting the bladder into a Yoke Collar style PFD. This protractedsequence is illustrated across the lower row of drawings.

[0157] In the middle drawing a hydrostatic activated inflator 904 ismounted on the pleomorphic bladder 150, which in this application a dualstrap SHERP bladder 311. The hydrostatic inflator 904 can have a certaindepth of submersion to force water into contact with the releasemechanism positioned at the inferior edge of the body armor vest 664,while the expansion bladder can be located at the top of the tacticalplate 912. Conduit 917 conducts the rapidly expanding gas to theexpansion chamber 902 in order to open the high strength blow a partlock 909. The military operator cannot be plagued by a low strength lockthat would begin to unravel if dragged along the ground while crawlingpossibly leading to a premature deployment, which could endanger theirlife. The high strength lock 909 uses localized expansion 908. If theforce is not focused on the lock it may quickly distribute throughoutthe entire bladder. An initial discharge of 800 psi of an whole inflatedbladder may prevent breathing by a distressed or unconscious operator.

[0158] In FIG. 28 a fabric vest 922 mounts an outer fabric shell 923,which can contain pleomorphic bladder 150. Bladder 150 can be reversiblysecured to fabric vest 922 by couplers complementary to the terminalmale closure means 181 and terminal female closure means 165. The outerfabric shell 923 mounts a zipper which can be a dual pull zipper 924 toallow outer shell 923 to be opened from the top or bottom. The upperdrawings show a snorkeling vest in which the superior portion of themidline zipper is opened at 933. This allows expansion or displacementat 926 on the upper chest of the snorkeler. The superior portion ofexpansion gusset 936 contains the expansion of inner bladder 150.

[0159] The middle left frontal and profile drawings show the inferiorportion of the midline zipper 934 opened to allow inner bladder 150 toexpand. Inferior expansion of snorkeler's vest 927 is limited by theoverlying of inferior expansion gusset 937. The middle right shows afully inflated snorkeler's vest 930. Full release of the midline zipper935 allows the full expansion of the inner gusset 929 creating maximumdisplacement. The lower left hand drawing shows bladder 150 releasedfrom the expansion gusset allowing bladder 150 to reconfigure itself asa yoke style PFD snorkel vest 931. The lower portion of the yoke collarPFD is held against vest 922 by outer fabric shell 923 on the sides andby inner gusset 929 in the middle. The lower right hand drawing showsbladder 150 released from the vest by the release of male buckle 181 andfemale buckle 165 from the complementary vest mount buckles 228. Bladder150 can then be pulled from the outer fabric shell 923 and inner gusset929. On released bladder 150 can configure itself in its defaultconfiguration, as a cylinder where it functions as a free standingdistress marker 3.

[0160] The upper left hand drawing of FIG. 29 shows a vest style BC 227attached to a SCUBA dive cylinder 225. Vest style BC 227 can include anintegrated mounting means 942 such as a zipper for attaching valise 941to its complementary zipper 943. Extraction lanyard 944 is secured byconnector 945 to the anterior edge of the BC 227 for ease of access.Lanyard 944 allows the contents 961 of valise 942 to be removed andpulled forward for use underwater or at the surface. The lower edge ofvalise 941 mounts a reversible attachment means such as a zipper 960.For completeness BC armholes 946 are indicated.

[0161] Valise 941 can have a complementary mounting means 943 along itssuperior edge that allows the valise 941 to be securely attached to BC227. A one-size fits all strap 948 secures valise 941 to tank 225.Fastener 945 can adjust the functional length of strap 948. Fastener 957can be mounted on the side of the cylinder 225 so it can be operatedunderwater to remove the valise 941 and contents 961. Fastener 957 canbe selected to also allow strap 948 of valise 941 to be attached to oneof the BC's releasable weight pockets 952. Releasable weight pocket 952is held within a housing 963 of the BC 227 by means of strap 965connected to weight pocket buckles 964. If buckles 964 and 957 arecomplementary then the ballast in releasable weight pocket 952, at theend of the dive can be removed from the diver's BC and attached throughvalise buckle 957 to orient the inflatable contents 961 of valise 941into the air where it can serve as a distress or locator signal. Inaddition the side mounting of fastener 957 allows the central placementof keeling counterweight ballast 959. Counterweight 959 and dive ballastpocket 952 together supply sufficient ballast to hold inflated valisecontents 961 in an upright position without assistance from the diver.Cummerbund integrated SHERP bladder 953 can be filled from the rearchamber or in an emergency locking lanyard 542 can be unlocked and thebladder inflated from a back up compressed gas source such as CO2. Ifthe contained SHERP bladder is used in another cover for boating orfishing the detonation lanyard can be left unlocked for more rapidactuation. Due to the dangers of sudden shift in buoyancy at depth thediver is better served by a two-step actuation process to prevent snagdeployment.

[0162] The upper right hand drawing shows BC 227 held to tank 225 bymeans of a BC tank band 700 through a tensioning cam buckle 947. Cambuckle 947 is often centrally located and requires space on both sidesof cam buckle 947 for its secure operation and fastening of the tankband tail 966. The cam buckle 947 and tank band tail 966 can obstructthe most posterior position on the corrective turning lever arm. Howeverwhen valise strap 948 is secured by a side mount buckle 948 it leavesthe posterior central space open for keeling counterweight 959. Whencentered counterweight 959 exerts the greatest corrective turning torqueper unit mass of a given counterweight 959. When tank-mounting strap 948of valise 941 places fastener 958 in the non-releasable centralposterior position, dual bilateral non-releasable tank counterweightpouches 950 can be attached to strap 948. Pouches 950 can hold solid orshot ballast symmetrically on tank 225 and can be adjusted toaccommodate various sized weights by means of closure 951.

[0163] Valise 941 can be removed from BC 227 by integrated mountingmeans 942 and used with any other BC such as back mount BC 226 seen inthe lower left hand drawing. In this case valise 955 can be attached tothe tank. Shoulder harness 764 of BC 226 connects to cummerbund 765which supports a stowed SHERP bladder 953 which can be connected byfluid communication conduit 954 to the back mount BC chamber. Valise 941is no longer secured to the BC. As seen in the lower drawing valise 955can be solely attached to tank 225 by use of strap 948, which istightened by adjustable buckle 957. When valise 941 is used with adedicated BC not only is there a mounting means 942 but there can alsobe a BC integrated buckle 945 to which is attached lanyard 944 which inturn is directly connected to the contents 961 stored within valise 941.BC integrated buckle 945 keeps lanyard 944 in an accessible and reliablelocation for quick access. When valise 941 is used with a non-dedicatedBC 226 such as a rental BC, lanyard 944 can be located by feel or acomplementary buckle 956 can be secured to a D-Ring on the rental BC tosecure the extraction lanyard 944 to a fixed site.

[0164] Locating the valise buckle 957 on the side of tank 225 as seen inthe lower two drawings allows buckle 957 to be within reach of the diver(the diver can reach back and release buckle 957 then pull on strap 948to bring the entire valise 941 and contents 961 to the front). Once infront, the diver can convert an auto deploy and detonate configuration(FIG. 30) to a manual deployment of the deflated contents 961.Converting from an emergency deployment to routine deployment allows thebladder to be removed deflated and attached to a spool and or anunderwater object before the bladder is inflated and sent to thesurface. Routine underwater use would allow the contents of the valiseto be used in a non-emergency manner for bottom marking. However, ifstrap 948 is also being used to mount a counterweight 959 on tank 225,counterweight 959 would now be removed from its functional posteriorposition.

[0165]FIG. 30 is a detailed view of a multi-function valise 967 whichcan adjust to fit a 7¼″ dive cylinder 225, a 60″ waist or any size inbetween. Webbing 948 can be attached to tension layer 968 of the valisecover at 973. Excess webbing 972 is stored in one of two sleeve-likecompartments 975 or 976. As female buckle 970 and male buckle 987 arereversed, excess webbing will accumulate on opposite sides. A tri-glidefastener 971 can be slid along the entire exposed length of webbing 948aligning the redundant layers of webbing 974. Webbing over and above thedoubled webbing is stored within the appropriate sleeve 975 or 976(inside or outside the valise depending on the particular choice as towhether the valise should or should not compress the contents of thevalise 967). Buckle halves 970 and 987 can be reversed so thattensioning layer 968 of valise 941 can be positioned on either theoutside or inside of contents 961. When tensioning layer 968 is on theoutside and buckle 970/987 is tightened, tensioning layer 968 compressescontents 961. When the SOS-PFD bladder 150 is used by a snorkeler,swimmer or water skier a very snug low profile valise is important toacceptance and safe use. When the skier hits the water's surface aloosely packet valise is likely to be torn from the skier. The swimmeron the other hand demands a sleek presentation for minimal hydrodynamicdrag.

[0166] Alternatively when buckle halves 970 and 987 are reversed,tension layer 968 can be interior to valise contents 961. Outside ofcontents 961 is non-tensioned component 969 of valise 941 looselyholding the contents 961 in place. When tensioning layer 968 isinterior, contents 961 are not compressed and can be removed withoutrequiring that buckle 970/987 first be released. An inner tensionedapplication is useful when strap 948 is also used to mount one or morecounterweights 959 or 950 as seen in FIG. 29 and one desires to put ontheir PFD without taking off their keeling counterweight. In a direemergency the keel weight 959 should be left on the tank 225 while theSOS PFD 150 contained within the valise 941 is released and placed aboutthe diver's neck for increased freeboard and face up stability. Thecounterweight 959 thereby continues to function by compensating for thebuoyancy of an empty cylinder synergistically enhancing correctiveturning and airway protection. In a non-emergency in which the diverwishes to signal the dive boat as to their location the interlockedbuckle 957 (FIG. 29) can be released. This allows the valise with itscontents and the attached counterweight to both be released so thatweight 959 can be used to orient the distress marker contained withinvalise 941 while the diver waits to be picked up. Components 968 and 969can include a coated fabric to prevent the weave from stretching whenwet. Uncoated fabric stretches, becoming sloppy even if it appears to beheavy fabric and once wet the pocket becomes sloppy. The coating can bea rigid non-expanding component of a laminated woven fabric.

[0167] A strap and buckle 977 attached to valise 941 allow the valisecontents 1022 to be connected to the valise 941. When strap 992 isstored with common bladder 1022 within valise 941 it used as a SHERPchest or waist strap. Alternatively dual function strap 992 can serve asan adjustable belt which can be worn through pant belt loops or wornindependently with a bathing suit. When strap 992 is worn as a belt itis used to mount low profile SHERP housing 661 which stores commonbladder 1022 in a highly compressed format. In the low profile formatSHERP 661 there may not be room to enclose the bulk of a SHERP chest orwaist strap. Dual function strap 992 can thread through slide adjustloops 32 so that the bladder can be slid up over the head then slid downinto the final position. Dual function waist strap 992 can be used as aSHERP strap, to attach the bladder to the wearer when common bladder1022 and dual function strap 992 are stowed in valise 941. Valise 941can be a larger cover that has room for the bulk of the additionalwebbing such as upper or lower strap 992. Further valise 941 may notneed strap 992 to attach the SHERP cover to the victim, since valise 941may already have an integrated waist strap 948.

[0168] In the lower drawing generic valise contents 1022 can be a dualuse bladder that can be used with valise 941 for the boater or with lowprofile 661 for the diver as seen in the upper right hand drawing ofFIG. 19. Strap 922 can be secured to the front of the BC either througha BC integrated buckle 945 or by way of a D-Ring mounted buckle 956.Second SOS-PFD strap 303 can secure bladder 1022 to the valise 941. IfSOS-PFD bladder 1022 is stowed in preparation for emergency deployment adouble-sided fabric lock element 979 can serves several functions. Firstis to secure fabric hook components 986 found on both halves of valisecover 968 and 969. In so doing fabric lock comprised of hook 986 andloop 979 keep valise 941 closed and bladder 1022 inside the valise.Secondly, loop 979 can position pull 980 where it is accessible. Thirdonce sufficient force is applied to pull 980, valise 941 can be openeddeploying bladder 1022 then the force is transferred by a relativelyvery short lanyard 981 to inflator 982 which pierces cylinder 192resulting in rapid inflation of bladder 1022.

[0169] Lanyard 981 is intentionally short so that valise covers 968 and969 can preferably only be closed when fabric lock 979 is correctly inplace. If lanyard 981 were inadvertently wrapped around inflator 982 itmay strangulate the inflator so that no amount of force would be able toactuate the inflator. If lanyard 981 was wrapped around inflator 982then valise component 968 cannot preferably be secured to 969 and thebladder 1022 falls out indicating the bladder was not correctly packed.

[0170] An alternative valise closure means 983 allows valise components968 to be held to 969 creating a secure pocket for SOS-PFD 1022. SOS-PFD1022 should first be removed from the valise by pulling on lanyard 944.Once removed, securing lanyard 992 and 977 can be left locked orseparated. Once the deflated bladder is separated, spool 985 can beremoved from spool pocket 984 and the line from spool 985 secured tobladder 1022. Lanyard 981 of inflator 982 is pulled piercing cylinder192 to inflate bladder 1022. Inflated bladder 1022 can peel line offspool 985 as bladder 1022 ascends. Once the bladder is at the surfacethe line from spool 985 is secured to mark a bottom site. In the openocean a weight can be secured to the line and the line hung from thesurface to be used to mark ascent or decompression stops in the event ofdive computer failure.

[0171]FIG. 31 shows a dual strap valise 989, which can be large enoughto hold a personal life raft. The use of a second buckle 990 allows bothreleasable BC weight pockets 952 to be transferred from BC 226 to valisecontents 961 freeing the diver of needless ballast at the surface.Rather than being attached to the tensioning component 968 of thevalise, straps 991 can be continuous to allow buckles 958 and 990 to bepositioned at anywhere around the circumference. Sleeve 976 can beattached to tensioning half 968 of the valise by stitching 995. Strap991 can be threaded through loop 994 at the both edges as strap 991leaves tensioning layer 968.

[0172]FIG. 32 depicts a BC in which a mechanically attached valise canbe released without removing the tank. A zipper or other secure fastenercan be located on the anterior side of the BC so the zipper can beoperated by the diver underwater or at the surface. The valise caninclude an integrated dual position trim weight 996. The trim weight canbe held in a low torque or inactive position 1000 by the tensiongenerated by centrally located buckle 997. This central location allowseither the left or right hand to be able to release the trim weight frominactive position 1000 into active position 1001. Release of the trimweight extends the lever arm length increasing the efficacy of the sameamount of ballast. In low torque position 1000 the diver is stable inthe face down underwater dive trim position. In active position 1001 thetrim weight can effect a corrective turning torque which in combinationwith the placement of the buoyant moment about the diver helps to createairway protective corrective turning. Dual position trim weight harness998 can be added to or removed from valise tank mounting strap 1003which can be a single side piece of webbing. An 80 cu ft cylinder has a7¼″ diameter and needs much less webbing than needed to encircle a 60″waist. The second half of valise strap 129 is stowed within a dedicatedsleeve within the valise. When the trim weight 1000 is released toactive position 1001 it pivots at point 1002 and remains secured in thecentral position by centrally located valise strap buckle 1004. Sincethe reversal and removal of valise strap buckle 1004 is necessary athreadable buckle stop 1008 prevents the buckle form being pulled offwhen in use yet when the stop is flattened and carefully threadedthrough the adjusting and locking mechanism of the buckle it can beremoved so that the dual position harness 998 can be added or removed orthe buckles direction reversed in order to convert the non-compressingtank mount valise into a compressing waist mounted valise.

[0173]FIG. 33 details a gravity driven ballast system that follows thelead of the diver. As the diver descends soft ballast 122 can behermetically sealed with an anti-corrosive 1016 to prevent the granularballast from corroding and fusing in a solid non-mobile mass. Apartially filled container 1015 can be placed about the cylinder 225 orwithin vest style BC 227. Open space 1019 within partially filledcontainer 1015 allows granular ballast 122 to move from anterior toposterior. BC 227 can have space for a plurality of mobile ballastcontainers 1015 in the BC 227, such as but not limited to fourcontainers, which can be removed by pulling on grip 1021. The uppercircumferential mobile ballast containers can have a posterior dilationthat allows more of the ballast to consolidate along the posterior axisimproving face up stability. A quick release buckle 1018 can attach agravity driven tank weight track 1017 to be quickly released. A tankmounted circumferential ballast system 1013 allows granular ballast 122to move within partially filled container 1015. The ballast can beblocked from crossing the midline at 1014.

[0174] In FIG. 34 a crotch strap mounted SOS-PFD 1030 is shown and canbe built into crotch strap 1032 or reversibly attached 1039 allowingfielded product to acquire access without having to buy a whole newproduct. Crotch strap loop 1037 can be threaded along harness waiststrap 1034. Locking closure 1035 can secure waist band 1034 and preventthe SOS-PFD from pulling free when deployed. Inflated crotch strap SOSPFD 1033 can be a very simple bladder 33 secured by slide loops thatallow bladder 33 to be pulled up and over the head of a vast majority ofindividuals then pulled back down for optimal head support andfreeboard. A crotch strap cover 1043 can be sewn directly to crotchstrap loop 1037 at 1042. Integrated product 1038 has the lowest profileSOS-PFD. In the lower right hand drawing the crotch strap SOS-PFD covercan be permanently attached on one side to an inner loop 1040. On theother side a reversible closure attachment 1041 allows SOS-PFD 33 to bereversibly added to fielded safety harnesses, parachutes or technicaldiver gear or removed so it can be used with other harnesses. In theleft hand drawing deflated bladder 101 can be actuated by pulling on amanual compressed gas inflator handle 197, while in the right handdrawing a quick release lanyard lock 542 prevents accidental deploymentof the compressed gas cylinder.

[0175] In FIG. 35 the jump suit, wet suit, survival suit or abandon shipsuit 1050 is equipped with a pleomorphic SOS-PFD SHERP bladder 150. Forthe water enthusiast the compressed gas detonation rip cord can beintegrated into a secure combined closure flap which can be tucked underan overlying lip 1051 to protect the rip cord from the extreme shearforces generated when the surfer or wind surfer traveling 30 to 50 milesper hour is thrown into the water. For the cold water snorkeler theSOS-PFD cover can be elastic to compress the bladder into a very sleekprofile 1054 to reduce hydrodynamic drag. The cover can also beconstructed to preserve the suits thermal protection 1052. The SOS PFDbladder is secured to the suit or garment by strap 1036 which may bepermanently attached to the garment or threaded through a garmentintegrated loop 1061, allowing securing strap 1036 to be removed andused with the bladder to secure orienting ballast or attach the distressmarker to the thigh for hands free signaling as seen in FIG. 11. Bladder150 can include thoracic slide adjust bladder mounting loops 1055 thatkeep the bladder's buoyant force applied to the upper thorax yet allowthe bladder 150 to be slid up for donning 1056 then slid down behind thehead 1057 to optimum support and freeboard. For routine recreational useone side of the bladder can be black so that it blends in with the wetsuit (not embarrassing or signaling need for assistance). In anemergency the brilliant orange side, or other viewable color, compressedagainst the chest can be exposed or released to be held aloft indicatingneed for immediate emergency assistance.

[0176] The lower left insert shows a variable buoyant moment positioningsystem 1058 that allows the ventral arms to be fixed in position fromboth sides anywhere from the midline to the most lateral position. Atri-glide or similar fitment 1059 allows the ratio of the anterior toposterior strap to be varied as dictated by sea state. The length of theanterior spacing strap 1062 can determine whether the right ventralbuoyant moment 1064 and left ventral buoyant moment 1065 can bejuxtaposed along the midline or spread apart. Fixture 1059, such as atri-glide, can allow the exact position of the right 1064 and left 1065buoyant moments to be adjusted then fixed in the most desirableposition. As the buoyant moments are moved outboard the body angle canbe varied from about zero degrees which optimizes freeboard in mountingsea state to about 90 degrees or vertical which optimizes visualizationof the horizon when scanning for rescue efforts.

[0177] It should be recognized that all references to “man” or “men” arealso meant to include “woman” or “women” and all references to “woman”or “women” are also meant to include “man” or “men”. Furthermore, thefemale and male portions of above-described components, such as, but notlimited to, attachment buckles, can be reversed with the male portionlocated where the female portion is described and the female portionlocated where the male portion is described.

[0178] It should be recognized that the various fasteners as used hereinfall into several major classes (1) Reversible Locking fasteners can beopened and closed as needed but once closed the fastener is securelylocked and requires a concerted action to unlock before the strap orcover can be released. Though not limiting, an example includes a siderelease buckle while some are single side release the majority requiresyou press in a release from opposite sides minimizing the chances ofaccidental opening; (2) Reversible Fasteners—while many fasteners can beused in lieu of the side release buckle their failure point is dependantupon the individual users skill or strength and/or are more susceptibleto wear and tear, these reversible and locking fasteners include fabricor rope ties, buttons and button holes, snaps, spring closed hook andloops, twist posts and loops. At the low end of fastener strength isstraight hook and loop in modest proportion to the forces applied. In anexample a traditional buoyancy compensator cummerbund can be an elasticencircling member whose tension is secured by 6 by 4″ strips of hook andloop. When hook and loop becomes wet its strength decreases. When theSHERP bladder is attached to one half of the cummerbund even when thecummerbund appears re-enforced behind the locking cummerbund strap, a1″, 1½ or 2″ webbing strap can be secured with a locking reversibleclosure. When upon inflation the buoyant force is applied to pull thehook and loop closure apart and then out from behind the locked webbingover strap. Thus, the need to modify the cummerbund with a loop whichmechanically connect the force of the bladder through the cummerbund tothe webbing with its reversible locking fastener such as a side releasebuckle; (3) Blow apart lock is a fastener that keeps a cover closeduntil acted upon by a force, often an expanding pneumatic force withinthe pushes the lock apart. Commonly hook and loop or a friction zippercan be used to secured an enclosure until some force acts to separatethe hook and loop or non-locking zipper. Certain applications requirehigh strength blow apart locks which in turn require the focusedapplication of expanding gas to release the high strength blow apartlock. Disclosed detonation chamber entraps the rapidly expanding gas fora restricted period of time so that the majority of the force is broughtto bear primarily on the blow apart fastener. Additionally, otherfasteners include clips, zippers, etc. All of these above describedfasteners or connectors are considered within the scope of theinvention.

[0179] Some advantages provided include, but are not limited to, thefollowing:

[0180] I) Straight cylindrical inflatable tube modified to facilitateconversion to and mounting thereof of a yoke collar tube to anencircling garment—(requires external structure to oppose pneumaticforce wanting to restore the bladder into its primary straightcylindrical shape)

[0181] II) Straight cylindrical inflatable tube modified to be convertedand function independently as a yoke collar tube—(Held to body by thewearers' arms)

[0182] IIb) Cylindrical inflatable tube modified to be converted andfunction independently as a yoke collar tube including an encirclingmember to secure said yoke collar configuration to wearer—(Onceconverted from straight to horse shoe the cover and encircling strapkeep the reconfigured bladder under tension in secondary horseshoe shapeand secure that horseshoe about the neck by pulling down and about thewaist or thorax by an encircling chest strap and or waist strap)

[0183] IIc) Straight cylindrical inflatable tube modified forindependent or garment dependent use as a buoyant:

[0184] yoke collar bladder,

[0185] single, coupled in series or coupled in parallel life ringbladder system,

[0186] 1, 2 or more person buoyant compressive thermal protective means,

[0187] Inflatable face shield,

[0188] 0 degree open ocean waist ring,

[0189] Encircling harness

[0190] Hybrid bladder for inherently buoyant life jacket

[0191] IId) Straight cylindrical inflatable tube modified by

[0192] one or more loops around it perimeter

[0193] one or more over sized loops allow Yoke style PFD bladder toslide up and over head for donning then be slid back down for cephalicbuoyant support

[0194] one of more buckles, snaps, ties, zippers

[0195] one or more straps and reversible fastening fixtures forextending the length of the inflatable cylinder used to create anextended circumference

[0196] one or more straps and reversible fastening fixtures forattaching the inflatable cylinder back onto itself at multiple points ofattachment

[0197] III) Garment modified to allow garment to reversibly and securelyrestrain an unmodified straight cylindrical tube, particularly astraight cylindrical tube that has been bent and folded against itselfand then held against the wearer (Tube could be used only as a bladderon the chest)

[0198] IIIb) Garment modified to allow it to reversibly and securelyrestrain a straight cylindrical tube bent into a yoke collar shape saidshape under pneumatic tension can be positioned about the wearer's neckand against the wearer's chest

[0199] IIIc) Said garment being buoyancy compensator, wet suit, rescueharness, jacket or other encircling fabric garments

[0200] IIIc.i) Buoyancy compensator with enlarged sternum strap and orenlarged cummerbund strap

[0201] IIIc.ii) Buoyancy compensator with central anterior retainer loopintegrated into cummerbund mechanically locking the bladder's buoyantforce attached to the cummerbund thereby to the webbing strap which ispermanently secured/sewn to the encircling buoyancy compensator harness.

[0202] IIIciii) Locking off center cummerbund closure means

[0203] IIIciv) Off center locking cummerbund closure means hiddenbeneath pocket

[0204] IIId) Jacket modified for permanent of reversible mounting ofencircling thoracic bladder pneumatically operated encircling memberreduces diameter of encircling member upon inflation

[0205] IIId) Combined jacket and bladder encircling thoracic memberturns about thorax beneath the axilla.

[0206] IV) A pressurized bladder modified to deploy as a pneumatic strutwith a lever amplified buoyant moment—(simple bladder)

[0207] IVb) A pressurized bladder modified to deploy as a pneumaticstrut held in position by restraining member attached to itself

[0208] IVc) A pressurized bladder modified to deploy as a pneumaticstrut held in position by restraining member attached to underlyinggarment

[0209] IVd) A pressurized inflatable straight cylindrical tube(reversibly) secured back to itself then modified deploy as an pneumaticstrut held in position by restraining member attached to itself orunderlying garment (the simple bladder in this case is the special casebladder, a straight tube doubled over and zipped together thenrestrained upon inflation in an angled position such that a portion ofthe bladder's displacement is moved away from the axis of correctiverotation. The leveraged displacement generates stronger correctiveturning force)

[0210] IVe) Said garment being jacket, waders, bibs, body armor vest

[0211] V) A secondary internal chamber with compressed gas inflationmeans attached thereto in partially restricted fluid communication withthe encompassing primary chamber

[0212] Vb) Volume of secondary transient expansion chamber selected inorder to apply sufficient pneumatic force within the bladdersconstraining cover to blow-a-part the cover's locking means

[0213] Vc) Duration the pneumatic force must be applied to blow-a-partlocking means adjusted by size and or number of passages betweensecondary and primary bladder

[0214] Vd) Blow-a-part bladder cover with high strength pneumaticallyoperated lock

[0215] VI Bladder whose (or should it be restricted to inflatable tube?)buoyant force is secured to wearer through the structure of an externalgarment which supplies a pelvic mounting system including waist, crotch,right and left leg encircling members

[0216] VIb) said garment pelvic system supplied by waders, bibs, swimsuit, shorts, pants

[0217] VII) Buoyant aid such as a snorkel vest full variabledisplacement bladder—(all bladders can be partially filled and thereforeare variable volume what is actually provide by this claim is whencurrent snorkeling vests are inflated to 0.6 psi as industry standardfull oral inflation, they may supply 8 lbs of displacement once thebladder is fully inflated, in the instant case, the volume supplied at0.6 psi can be adjusted by a locking zipped which varies the mechanicalsize of the bladder from 8 to 16 pounds ie can be locked at 8 lbs or 10or 12 or 14 or 16 lbs)

[0218] VIIb) A buoyant aid such as a snorkeling vest which can vary thelocation where the buoyant moment is secured to the wearer—(The zippercan be opened from the top by varying amounts or opened from the bottom,or both or fully opened)

[0219] VIIc) A buoyant aid such as a snorkeling vest in which theanterior bladder can be released to be converted into a yoke collarbladder

[0220] VIId) A buoyant aid such as a snorkeling vest in which theanterior bladder can be released to convert by pneumatic force into astraight cylindrical tube (signaling device?)

[0221] VIII Wet suit with integrated cervical, thoracic or abdominalpocket for an inflatable bladder

[0222] VIIIa) Wet suit with integrated cervical, thoracic or abdominalpocket whose inflatable bladder is securely enclosed in said pocket bythermally protective cover said cover which is integral member ofcompressed gas actuation means

[0223] VIIIb) Wet suit with integrated cervical, thoracic or abdominalpocket for an inflatable bladder whose leading edge of the releasablepocket cover actuator is located behind a protective lip (prevent watershear on high speed entry from opening the cover and releasing thecontained bladder)

[0224] VIIIc) Wet suit modified to deploy then reversibly constrain acompress gas inflated straight cylindrical tube as a yoke collar shapedbladder

[0225] VIIId) Wet suit modified to deploy and reversibly constrain acompress gas inflated straight cylindrical tube as a lever amplifiedpneumatic strut.

[0226] VIIIe) Wet suit modified to deploy a lever amplified pneumaticstrut which can be released into a yoke collar style PFD.

[0227] IX) Inflatable bladder stored within and deployed from two ormore different covers adapting a single bladder to differing garments orapplications

[0228] Or IX) Inflatable bladder stored within and deployed from two ormore different covers adapting a single bladder to differing garments orapplications including encircling member used variously as waist strap,or chest strap or crotch strap to facilitate independent operation or tocomplement garment dependent operation

[0229] IXa) A straight cylindrical inflatable tube stowed to deploy asyoke collar style PFD from a low profile cover dependent upon underlyinggarment for one or more structural contributions

[0230] IXb) A straight cylindrical inflatable tube stowed to deploy asyoke collar style PFD from a low profile cover secured to dependentgarment provided encircling member

[0231] IXc) Said garment member encircling one or more anatomicstructures; waist, chest, crotch, left leg, right leg

[0232] IXd) A straight cylindrical inflatable tube stowed to deploy asyoke collar style PFD from a low profile cover secured about wearer'swaist by belt provided with cover same bladder and belt enclosed with insecond cover with integrated second belt. Previous waist mounted beltnow used as chest strap or waist strap when bladder used as a rescuePFD.

[0233] Other advantages include:

[0234] A) Primary versus Secondary conformation—Starts out as folded PFDthen release and add air to expand to rigid SOS cylinder. Which isprimary, cylinder goes to many configurations

[0235] (1) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to it self;

[0236] (2) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to another buoyant cylinder(s)

[0237] (3) A buoyant cylinder with fastening means that rely upon anexternal member encircling garment or belt

[0238] (4) A buoyant cylinder with independent fastening means, freestanding device that can operate with out reliance upon outsidestructure (i.e. relies upon an internal/integrated encircling garment orbelt)—Multiple encircling structures:

[0239] (i) Webbing that encircles the buoyant member converting it froma straight cylinder into a horseshoe shaped cylinder? Or horseshoeshaped device. The loop can be attached to the garment such as the wetsuit. Once released from the wet suit, the horseshoe shape cylindersprings back into a straight cylinder. Loop attached to garmentenvelopes tube holding cylinder in a horseshoe shape

[0240] (ii) Encircle the victim's body, holding the bladder adjacent thechest and possibly also converting/holding the cylinder in an alternateshape, horseshoe, double up cephalic ram,

[0241] (5) A buoyant cylinder which can be fastened back onto oradjacent to it self by means of two or more encircling members

[0242] (6) A buoyant cylinder which can be fastened back onto oradjacent to it self by means of a partial or complete midline fastener(i) External: garment mounted loop and fastener/buckle and (ii)Integrated midline fastener: Tie, snap, button, buckle, zipper

[0243] (7) A buoyant cylinder which can be fastened back onto oradjacent to it self

[0244] (8) A garment with encircling means to hold the straight cylinderin a non-straight configuration.

[0245] (9) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to it self by an upper fastener Wet suit

[0246] (10) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to it self by a distal fastener: BC

[0247] (11) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to it self by a terminal fastener: Waders

[0248] (12) A buoyant straight cylinder which can be fastened back ontoor adjacent to it self by an extended fastener: Thrown SOS Marker

[0249] (13) A cylindrical bladder with one or more (closure) means toconvert the cylindrical bladder into a ring or yoke collar shapedbladder

[0250] (14) A cylindrical bladder in which the bladder is reconfiguredby attaching the cylinder back onto itself by means of a fastener(zipper, buckle, snap, hook & eye, button, hook & loop, tie is used toconvert the cylinder into a yoke collar bladder, then there are noencircling members and the arms are used to secure the bladder to thechest)

[0251] (15) A cylindrical bladder in which the bladder is reconfiguredby attaching the cylinder onto another object by means of a fastener(The object to which the bladder is attached, BC Body Armor, Waders)

[0252] (16) A cylindrical bladder in which the closure means includes anencircling member (such as one or more chest straps)

[0253] (17) One lower encircling member secure the bladder to the waistor one upper encircling member secures the bladder to the chest

[0254] (18) Two or more encircling members allow the cylindrical bladderto be reconfigured into wide range of survival devices

[0255] (19) A cylindrical bladder with one or more means to attach thebladder to a garment, belt, waders,

[0256] (20) A cylindrical bladder with one or more releasable means forsecuring/attaching the bladder to another object. (Any term inclusive ofgarment, buoyancy compensator, jacket, belt, waders, pants, body armor,pocket, wet suit, dry suit, survivor suit) [The BC or Vest confersmarked structure and stability to the buoyant moment. Attaching to thereconfigured cylindrical bladder to the BC utilizes the encirclingstructure of BC to replace it's need for an independent encirclingelement.

[0257] Specifically to FIG. 20 & FIG. 25 items 700, amplifying arm 683,FIG. 23 item 793 advantages include a buoyant straight cylinder whichcan be fastened back onto or adjacent to it self at more than one pointcreating a pneumatic strut extending away from the axis of correctiverotation: Pull Over Jacket/Waders. Straight cylinder held in a doubledposition by complete midline fastener, the doubled bladder held in anabout 90 angle by restraining strap creating a pneumatic strut whichmoves a portion of the buoyant moment away from the axis of correctiverotation thereby amplifying the angular torque per unit displacementavailable.

[0258] Specifically to FIG. 27 Detonation Chamber 902, restrictedorifice 901, high strength blow a part closure 909 advantages include aninflatable bladder with secondary internal chamber in restricted fluidcommunication with the primary chamber. Body Armor Vest, loculateddetonation chamber places rapidly expanding force adjacent the strongblow a part cover closure, the restricted orifice creates a momentarydelay that allows the cover to be opened before the gas expands throughout the entire primary bladder. Without the detonation chamber the gasis distributed and the expansion occurs through out the entire coverpossibly compressing the rib cage and embarrassing respiration.Deployment bladder orifice sized to create a delay in the passage ofpressurized gas, orifice size or rate of flow or length of delaydictated by the strength of the blow a part closure (Fabric lock, hook &loop, snap, blow a part zipper etc), ½″ by 4″ hook and loop. Versus 1″by 4″ versus 1½″ by 4′ hook and loop.

[0259] Another advantage includes a bladder cover with high strengthpneumatically operated closure. In the past the blow a part closure hadto be relatively weak to prevent the bladder from destroying the cover.The weak closure led to unintentional deployment. In militaryapplications such as body armor vests if the soldier was crawling ontheir stomach or even bumped or twisted the garment integrated H&Lclosure, the blow a part closure would open and the bladder fall outrequiring the PFD to be repacked.

[0260] Specifically to FIG. 13: item 511 & 512 advantages include amulti person flotation device that can be combined in series and orstacked in parallel. Cylinder can be over lapped for a single person.Other advantages are that it is connected end to end for two people orconnected by webbing to envelope two or more individuals.

[0261] Further advantages includes a buoyant straight cylinder(s)converted into a circle with adjustment means to generate compressivetension. Buoyant straight cylinder(s) with two or more fasteners.Primary fastener converts straight cylinder into a circle, Secondaryfastener secures circular buoyant rings into a vertical encircling tube.A buoyant straight cylinder fastened back onto or adjacent to it selfand onto another buoyant straight cylinder creating a stack of circlebuoyant rings of any diameter.

[0262] Specifically to FIG. 20 item 694, advantages include the garmentintegrated encircling system, encircles right leg, left leg and crotch.Bibs, waders, pants, shorts, swim suit. Replacing the bulk, cost andredundancy of the traditional PFD chest strap. A bladder attached to thepants acquires a powerful external encircling system. The ability tohave PFD without a chest strap and or closure significantly reduces thevolume/bulk. Increasing appearance and compliance.

[0263] An encircling member such as a chest strap or waist strap is onlysecured to the degree of compressive force that can be generated. Ifthere is sufficient force generated it is uncomfortable for routine use.Once a buoyant device is applied to a simple encircling member and thatmember becomes wet it both stretches and is lubricated leading to ashift in position of the encircling member (it rides up the chest). Theintegration of the PFDs buoyant force into the pants warps the forcethrough the crotch and around both legs. The force is completely appliedto picking the victim out of the water rather than sliding up thevictim. The lower attachment point submerges more of the bladdercreating a greater per cent of displacement since less of the bladder isabove the water.

[0264] Specific to FIG. 1, one advantage is that an inflatable PFD 4 canbe converted into a distress marker. When deployed partially zipped upthe front it looks like a traditional Yoke Collar Style PFD. One placestheir head through the opening and tightens one or two chest straps andthen snugs the zipper to decrease the neck opening to comfortablysecure. The Yoke Collar Style PFD then can be unzipped and the cheststraps released and it converts into a straight tube which can bewrapped under the arms and secured to itself to create a life ring. Thesecond chest strap can be fastened between the legs creating a seat orcrotch strap. For routine use it can be used as a fishing float.Alternatively the terminal straps of the life ring can be extended toincrease the diameter of the enhanced life ring creating a multi-personPFD. The variable length of one or more connectors allows the wearer tosecure one or more adults or children into the vertical huddlerecommended to conserve core temperature. The presence of at least oneset if not two complementary connectors allows two or more PleomorphicPFDs to be connected at either the lower and or upper connectorscreating a group life ring capable of compressing its occupants into athermally protective huddle. The Yoke Collar Style PFD then can beunzipped and the chest strap/s released and it converts into a straighttube used as a distress signal.

[0265] Item Index

[0266]1 Hybrid PFD bladder or SOS Distress marker

[0267]2 Straight cylinder folded and secured into consolidatedinflatable hybrid bladder

[0268]3 Freestanding SOS-PFD marker

[0269]4 Inflatable PFD converted into distress marker

[0270]5 Inherently buoyant component of hybrid PFD

[0271]6 Garment integrated mounting means, bikini bottoms

[0272]7 CO2 manifold for mounting optional compressed gas inflationmeans

[0273]8 Oral inflation and deflation means

[0274]9 Water activated compressed gas and inflator.

[0275]11 Secure fabric waist strap

[0276]12 Chest strap

[0277]13 Chest strap retainer means

[0278]14 12-volt battery

[0279]15 Auditory signal on-off switch

[0280]16 Oscillator

[0281]17 Auditory signal

[0282]18 Low Voltage LED supply

[0283]19 Visual Signal on-off switch

[0284]20 LED

[0285]21 Visual distress signal

[0286]22 Conductors from battery to signal means

[0287]23 Reversible mounting means for securing inflatable to inherentlybuoyant component

[0288]24 Man Over Board/MOB

[0289]25 360-degree swivel attachment means

[0290]26 Immersion switch, actuates both visual and auditory signals

[0291]27 Garment integrated distress-marker inflatable PFD

[0292]28 Compressed gas chamber

[0293]29 Secondary oral inflation deflation valve for compressed gaschamber

[0294]30 Orally inflated chamber

[0295]31 Water's surface

[0296]32 Slide adjust belt loop, abdominal

[0297]33 Simple combined SOS signal marker and Personal Flotation Device

[0298]34 Material outside air bladder

[0299]50 Reversibly chest strap mounted, swiveling, orally inflated SOSmarker

[0300]51 Chest strap mounted swivel receiver

[0301]52 Swiveling and reversible distress marker mount

[0302]53 Adjustable quick release attachment means

[0303]54 Locking limb lanyard

[0304]55 Limb ballast orients SOS signal marker

[0305]56 Detached SOS distress marker

[0306]57 SOS marker convert to provide additional cephalic support

[0307]58 Type III buoyant aid

[0308]59 Brilliant red fabric

[0309]60 Twilight high-visibility fluorescent yellow-green ornon-emergency use black fabric

[0310]80 Mixed-use hybrid PFD valise

[0311]81 Reversible pouch closure means

[0312]82 Permanent pouch to cover attachment means

[0313]83 Inflatable mat hybrid bladder

[0314]84 Inflatable life raft hybrid bladder

[0315]85 Inflatable life jacket hybrid bladder

[0316]86 Releasable valise attachment means

[0317]100 Hermetically sealed water activated Man Over Board locator-PFD

[0318]101 Deflated SOS distress marker-PFD

[0319]102 Sealed packaging

[0320]103 Blow apart closure

[0321]104 Crenation folds informing vacuum intact

[0322]105 Hermetic seal

[0323]106 Tear notch

[0324]107 Over pressure relief valve

[0325]108 Chem-lite

[0326]109 Aerial flare

[0327]110 Reversible pocket closure

[0328]111 Lanyard for mounting chem-lite

[0329]112 PFD adjustment and securing means

[0330]113 Loops allow simple sizing of bladder

[0331]114 Harness webbing

[0332]115 Secure attachment between harness and PFD

[0333]116 Heavy gauge harness D-ring

[0334]117 Adjustable closure mechanism, e.g. female buckle

[0335]118 Additional loops to size harness and bladder to victim

[0336]119 Adjustable complementary closure means, e.g. male buckle

[0337]120 Combined battery and marker ballast

[0338]121 Unused size adjustment loops

[0339]122 Granular ballast

[0340]123 Non-releasable circumferential orienting and delivery ballastmeans

[0341]124 Ballasted SOS-PFD Marker

[0342]140 Chest mounted Type I Inflatable PFD

[0343]141 Pneumatically released PFD-SOS cover

[0344]142 Yoke Collar Type II or III PFD

[0345]143 Type IV Life Ring bladder wrapping around chest

[0346]144 Minimal amount of freeboard or distance from water's surfaceto airway

[0347]145 Improved freeboard with circum-cervical position of bladder

[0348]146 Maximum freeboard for a given displacement bladder

[0349]147 Insufficient freeboard for unconscious victim

[0350]148 Short length/bulk waist strap

[0351]149 X portion of circumference covered by flaring the bladder

[0352]150 Pleomorphic bladder

[0353]160 Heave line SOS PFD

[0354]161 Stowed Heave line SOS PFD

[0355]162 Heave rope

[0356]163 Heave rope wrist loop

[0357]164 Rescue PFD-Marker & heave rope valise

[0358]165 Terminal variable length female closure means

[0359]166 Initial weld creates open pouch

[0360]167 Anti-oxidant/oil with granular environmental ballast

[0361]168 Secondary seal enclosing ballast system

[0362]169 Bladder free sew zones

[0363]170 Stitching

[0364]171 Bladder weld line

[0365]172 Sewable fabric outside bladder

[0366]173 Bar tack

[0367]174 Multi-point ballast pocket harness

[0368]175 Complementary chest strap buckle initially suspendingreleasable marker ballast

[0369]176 Releasable circumferential ballast means

[0370]177 Empty pouch

[0371]178 Minimal length/bulk PFD closure zipper

[0372]179 Chest strap for life ring and back strap for Yoke Collar stylePFD

[0373]180 Dual-sided, locking zipper pull

[0374]181 Terminal variable length male closure means

[0375]190 Complementary hook and loop closure

[0376]191 Manually activated compressed gas inflator

[0377]192 Compressed gas cylinder

[0378]193 PFD chest buckle initially securing marker to pocket

[0379]194 Blow apart pocket

[0380]195 Fabric loop

[0381]196 Fabric hook

[0382]197 Manual compressed gas inflator handle

[0383]198 Restricted lanyard length compels correct assembly

[0384]199 Secure adjustable sized waistband

[0385]200 Waist mounted SOS Marker-PFD

[0386]201 Adjustable chest closure for conversion to yoke collar PFD

[0387]202 Adjustable back strap for conversion to yoke collar PFD

[0388]203 Waist mounted SOS-PFD bladder

[0389]204 Complementary quick release buckle

[0390]220 SCUBA divers SOS Marker-PFD and Equipment buoy

[0391]221 Dual-purpose complementary closure means for attaching tobuoyancy compensation jacket or for converting SOS marker to PFD

[0392]222 No-lock compressed gas coupler and inflate-deflate valve

[0393]223 Fastener complementary to weight pocket fastener

[0394]224 Bladder enlargement

[0395]225 SCUBA tank

[0396]226 Rear buoyancy compensation chamber component

[0397]227 Vest Style dive jacket

[0398]228 Complementary PFD attachment

[0399]229 Stowed SOS Marker-PFD and Equipment buoy

[0400]230 Cephalo-thoracic bladder addition to BC displacement

[0401]231 Independent PFD configuration

[0402]232 Attached diver's integral weight pocket

[0403]233 Diver's SOS marker

[0404]234 Both diver's weights attached to lighten BC

[0405]235 Equipment buoy

[0406]236 SOS flag zipper closed

[0407]237 SOS flag zipper open

[0408]250 Linear Low Density Poly Ethylene or ‘Mylar’ SOS-PFD

[0409]251 Self sealing thin film valve

[0410]252 Rigidified valve inlet

[0411]253 Polyethylene weld to sew tab connector

[0412]254 Webbing sewn connection

[0413]255 Heat sealed Poly Ethylene connection

[0414]256 Compression band

[0415]257 Inflatable groove

[0416]258 Redundant ‘Mylar’ SOS-PFD bladder

[0417]259 A third and separate SOS Marker bladder

[0418]300 Primary RAM Life Jacket SOS-HELP-Enhanced life ring-Ram lifejacket-PFD/SHERP bladder

[0419]301 Upper SHERP strap

[0420]302 Bladder flexion point

[0421]303 Lower SHERP strap

[0422]304 Sub-mandibular loculation of the ram bladder

[0423]305 Doubled SHERP bladder

[0424]306 Main body of pneumatic mechanical ram

[0425]307 Ram's rigid planar mount

[0426]308 Cephalic ballast posterior

[0427]309 Buoyant oral-nasal and sinus cavities anterior

[0428]310 Longitudinal axis of corrective rotation

[0429]311 Dual strap SHERP bladder

[0430]312 Upper strap male connector

[0431]313 Upper strap female connector

[0432]314 Lower SHERP strap female connector

[0433]315 Flexible fabric fitment

[0434]316 Lower strap male

[0435]320 Traditional Yoke Collar PFD—buoyant aid

[0436]321 Lower strap as crotch strap

[0437]322 Upper strap as chest strap

[0438]330 SHERP HELP Compression PFD—Heat Escape Lessening PositionCompression Sling configuration

[0439]331 Right stabilizer buoyant moment

[0440]332 Cephalo-Cervical buoyant cradle

[0441]333 HELP compression Stirrup-lower strap

[0442]334 Hull sling-upper strap

[0443]335 Reduced surface area HELP posture

[0444]340 Hands free hydraulically oriented SOS marker

[0445]341 Lower strap as an adjustable sized thigh strap attachmentmeans

[0446]342 y=Weight of external bladder

[0447]343 x=Force of Submerged bladder

[0448]344 Buoyant force greater than loft weight, x>y

[0449]345 Additional crotch strap female connector

[0450]350 30 degree body angle SHERP PFD

[0451]351 Posterior-inferior buoyant moment

[0452]352 SHERP flexes about shoulder

[0453]354 Majority of SHERP bladder submerged

[0454]360 SHERP secondary ram life jacket configuration

[0455]361 Lower strap—as ram neck strap

[0456]362 Double high thoracic buoyant moment

[0457]370 SHERP-Enhanced Life Ring

[0458]371 Doubled anterior displacement

[0459]372 Upper strap and male connector as cross over adjustableattachment means

[0460]373 Lower female connector as complementary cross over bladderattachment means

[0461]380 SHERP Spray and rain shield life jacket

[0462]381 Upper strap as spray shield neck strap

[0463]382 Strong anterior displacement

[0464]383 Outer seam attachment site for spray shield upper strap

[0465]384 Outer SHERP bladder seam

[0466]400 Triple SHERP bladder survival system

[0467]401 Primary SHERP bladder constructed of high durability fabric

[0468]402 Lateral enlarged bladder for increased face up stability

[0469]403 Cervical bladder, of relatively reduced diameter

[0470]404 Secondary SHERP bladders constructed from fabrics of lowerdurability

[0471]405 International icon directions on pleomorphic survivalfunctions

[0472]406 Narrow diameter SOS distress tertiary SHERP bladder.

[0473]407 Thirty-degree body angle position

[0474]410 Open ocean zero degree body angle

[0475]411 Abdominal bladder buoyant aid

[0476]412 High displacement, dual posterior abdominal bladder

[0477]430 External fabric shell configured mandibulo-cephalic ram

[0478]431 External configuring fabric shell

[0479]432 Oversized internal SHERP bladder

[0480]433 Hyper-extended neck

[0481]434 LLDPE coupler inflate-deflate valve

[0482]435 LLDPE coupler welded in seam

[0483]436 Reversible fluid communication

[0484]437 Cephalic ballast as keeling force

[0485]438 Reversible closure means

[0486]440 Series of deflated SHERP bladders

[0487]441 Anterior face of Type I Off Shore PFD

[0488]442 Lateral face of Type I Off Shore PFD

[0489]443 Continuous center foam block

[0490]444 Stowed fabric gusset

[0491]445 Lateral cervical pneumatic splint

[0492]446 Integrated mechanical mandibular ram component

[0493]447 Zipper access to release SHERP bladders

[0494]500 Two person PFD with midline thermal protection

[0495]501 Thermal conserving two-person huddle

[0496]502 Expandable life ring perimeter strap

[0497]503 One person PFD expanded to secure two people

[0498]504 Stackable buoyant SHERP bladders create encircling thermalconvective barrier

[0499]505 Thermal conserving four-person huddle

[0500]506 Upper SHERP bladder

[0501]507 Lower SHERP bladder

[0502]508 Upper male to lower female interconnection between bladder

[0503]509 Lower male to upper female connection

[0504]510 Infinitely expandable diameter life ring

[0505]511 Primary life ring compressive closure means

[0506]512 Secondary life ring stacking fastener means

[0507]520 Variable function, quick release, throwable combined ram lifejacket and SHERP rescue PFD

[0508]521 Mounting orientation dependant function; upright personal ramlife jacket position

[0509]523 Unlocked lanyard pull for back up manual inflation

[0510]524 Pocket cover

[0511]525 Pocket closure means

[0512]526 Universal body armor mounting back plate

[0513]527 Double sided male up/female down piggyback snaps for stackmounting

[0514]528 High-density ballast pocket

[0515]540 Lockable manually actuated abdominal bladder position/primaryfunction

[0516]541 Dummy bobbin

[0517]542 Quick release lanyard lock

[0518]543 Fabric lock closure component of lanyard

[0519]544 Lanyard to inflator

[0520]545 Cylinder size restrictor

[0521]546 Manually actuated compressed gas inflator

[0522]547 Deflated and stowed SHERP bladder

[0523]560 Quick release ballast oriented thrown AbdominalBladder-SOS-PFD

[0524]561 Additional fasteners

[0525]562 Shared pocket and bladder mounting fabric

[0526]563 Blank piggyback space

[0527]564 Backside of female snap

[0528]565 Piggyback posterior female anterior Male snap

[0529]566 Alternate pocket in piggyback space

[0530]567 Quick release anterior mount for the armor protected SHERPbladder

[0531]568 Inflator mounted on inferior edge of body armor

[0532]569 Body armor protected Abdominal Bladder-SOS marker-PFD bladder

[0533]570 Bladder mounting base fabric

[0534]571 Inferior margin of combined pocket-SOS-PFD

[0535]572 Inferior margin of body armor vest

[0536]600 Weldable belt fitments

[0537]601 Weldable webbing connector

[0538]602 Weldable buckle connector

[0539]603 Heavier weight fabric supported weldable laminate

[0540]604 Radiused corners

[0541]605 Air retentive bladder weld

[0542]606 Bladder-fixture-bladder weld

[0543]607 Lightweight bladder fabric with inner weldable laminate

[0544]608 Edge of fabric fixture

[0545]609 SHERP Ram mounting strap

[0546]610 Secure reversible SHERP bladder attachment means

[0547]611 SHERP stowage cover

[0548]612 SHERP deflated and partially folded for stowage

[0549]613 Supported fabric CO2 manifold flange

[0550]614 Dual adjustable length lower strap

[0551]615 Bar tack

[0552]616 Length of base weld

[0553]617 Ram submandibular fitment

[0554]618 Exaggerated traditional weldable CO2 manifold

[0555]619 Strap loophole

[0556]620 Semi circular HELP Stirrup fitment

[0557]630 An assortment of SHERP bladders with differing primaryfunctions

[0558]631 Standard SHERP bladder

[0559]632 SHERP bladder with cradling cephalo-cervical pillow

[0560]633 High displacement SHERP bladder, HELP Sling with enhancedlateral stability

[0561]634 Ultra low water activated 8-12 gram SHERP Ram with secondaryhigh displacement oral HELP sling capability

[0562]635 Extended length SHERP HELP Life Bag bladder and enclosure

[0563]636 Lateral cervical pillow

[0564]637 Cephalic pillow

[0565]639 High pressure compressed gas, minimal displacement pneumaticram with high torque leverage anterior bladder

[0566]640 Orally inflated high displacement bladder

[0567]641 Single layer HELP canopy

[0568]642 Inflatable dual layer insulated floor

[0569]643 High displacement and insulating HELP perimeter tube

[0570]644 Low displacement insulating floor tube

[0571]645 Shoulder strap mounting zipper

[0572]646 High-pressure pneumatic strut secured by zipper to garment

[0573]650 Extended length SHERP as a HELP Sling

[0574]651 Body ballast suspended from HELP sling

[0575]652 Type III Hybrid PFD

[0576]653 SHERP Ram Converts Type III PFD into Type A Life Jacket

[0577]654 SHERP Rescue PFD—Life Jacket for another victim

[0578]655 Stiffened cover for folded bulky add-on SHERP device

[0579]656 Sleeve for mounting SHERP cover

[0580]657 Ultra-low profile thin film SHERP device

[0581]658 Rolled SHERP device secured to PFD integrated lower buckle

[0582]659 Linear Low Density Polyethylene laminated fabric lock

[0583]660 Multi-garment transferable primary SHERP Life Jacket

[0584]661 Multi-garment transferable low-profile SHERP Survival Device

[0585]662 Ballistic protected abdominal bladder, thrown rescue deviceand secondary SHERP bladder

[0586]663 Snap grid pocket mounting system

[0587]664 SHERP compatible body armor vest

[0588]665 SHERP compatible back mounted buoyancy compensator

[0589]666 SHERP compatible vest style buoyancy compensator

[0590]667 SHERP compatible alimentation-hydration outer most backpack

[0591]668 SHERP compatible fatigues or garment

[0592]669 SHERP compatible rucksack

[0593]670 SHERP compatible universal harness

[0594]671 Belt loop mounted low profile SHERP

[0595]672 Secure garment closure

[0596]673 Strongly buoyant empty cylinder

[0597]674 Dual bilateral chambers

[0598]675 Complementary buckle positioned to double lateral chambers

[0599]676 Adjustably sized and locking cell phone holster

[0600]677 Universal harness

[0601]678 Non-elastic locking closure

[0602]679 Overlapping fabric lock mounts SHERP cover

[0603]680 Fishing or sailing bibs with integrated SHERP life jacket

[0604]681 Pop up Bibs ram SHERP bladder

[0605]682 Posterior convexity configuring upper strap

[0606]683 Anterior buoyant force amplifying lever arm

[0607]684 Anterior lever restraining lower strap

[0608]685 Visual length indicator

[0609]686 Anterior lever arm restraining strap quick release coupler

[0610]687 Anterior buoyant arm flexion notch

[0611]688 Ripcord integrated stowage cover closure fabric lock

[0612]689 Lanyard pull

[0613]690 Bib integrated SHERP stowage pocket

[0614]691 Transferable SHERP stowage pocket

[0615]692 Stowage pocket openings for straps and water drainage

[0616]693 SHERP lower strap complementary and reversible mounting meansoutside stowage pocket

[0617]694 Garment integrated dual leg crotch strap function

[0618]695 Garment encapsulated bladder

[0619]696 Strong elastic girth adjustment strap

[0620]697 Fishing waders

[0621]698 Water resistant shoulder straps

[0622]699 Water shedding cover flap

[0623]700 Lever amplified anterior buoyant moment

[0624]701 Oral inflate deflate and over pressure valve

[0625]702 SHERP bladder layered flush against pants

[0626]703 Exterior bibs garment wall

[0627]704 Posterior wall of garment directing SHERP deployment funnel

[0628]705 Anterior funnel wall

[0629]706 Peel fabric lock for excess funnel wall

[0630]707 Notch between posterior cephalic and ventral arms creates neckopening on release of zipper and configuring upper strap

[0631]708 Bibs ram configuring zipper

[0632]709 Will become the posterior cephalic bladder once released andrepostioned

[0633]710 Ventral arms of SHERP bladder

[0634]720 Combined traditional inflatable PFD and SHERP bladder

[0635]721 Traditional inflatable PFD enhanced with a lower SHERP strap

[0636]722 Traditional inflatable PFD as a stand alone HELP compressionsling PFD bladder

[0637]723 Traditional inflatable harness opened for HELP configuration

[0638]724 Traditional inflatable PFD combined in series with SHERPbladder to form an enhanced compression life ring flotation device

[0639]725 Single or dual strap SHERP bladder

[0640]726 Reversible connection means between traditional inflatable PFDand SHERP bladder

[0641]727 Extended neck opening of traditional inflatable PFD SecondarySHERP bladder

[0642]728 Original PFD harness now back cradle

[0643]729 Loop mechanically locks cummerbund mounted SHERP

[0644]730 Cell Phone/WHF Phone/Knife

[0645]731 Fixed horizontal pocket adjustment

[0646]732 Pocket closure

[0647]733 Upper fixed vertical pocket adjustment

[0648]734 Lower fixed vertical pocket adjustment

[0649]735 Upper bladder cover

[0650]736 Lower bladder cover

[0651]737 Fabric lock component of lanyard

[0652]737 Cylinder piercing lever arm

[0653]738 Universal strap, belt or cummerbund mounting means

[0654]739 BC designed to convert generic SOS-Marker in Yoke collar stylePFD

[0655]740 Generic signal tube orally inflated.

[0656]741 Cummerbund strap sized to envelope and secure genericcylindrical SOS-marker

[0657]742 SHERP Cover integrated female side release

[0658]743 SHERP cover integrated male side release

[0659]744 Cummerbund integrated low profile SHERP bladder and cover

[0660]745 BC cummerbund to cummerbund strap retainer

[0661]746 Traditional cummerbund strap not sized to encircle PFD bladder

[0662]747 Lateral component of the waist encircling BC harness

[0663]748 Posterior component of the waist encircling BC harness

[0664]750 Buoyancy Compensator/BC with cummerbund integrated SHERP PFD

[0665]751 BC Sternum strap sized to include distress marker into PFD

[0666]752 Cummerbund secured with locking fastener

[0667]753 Passive BC deflate and SHERP inflation conduit

[0668]754 SHERP quick disconnect from BC bladder

[0669]755 Left integrated weight

[0670]756 Left integrated weight's male or female side release buckle

[0671]757 Right integrated weight

[0672]758 Right integrated weight with complementary female or male siderelease buckle

[0673]759 BC integrated male side release buckle for mounting SHERPbladder

[0674]760 BC integrated female side release buckle serves forsingle-handed SOS mounting

[0675]761 SHERP bladder stowage cover

[0676]762 Cover fabric lock

[0677]763 Adjustable female and male side release buckle

[0678]764 Shoulder straps

[0679]765 Cummerbund waist belt (cummerbund is held closed by Velcrowhile the over lying cummerbund webbing strap can be cinched up by useof an adjustment incorporated in the locking side release buckle)

[0680]766 Yoke collar style SHERP bladder

[0681]767 Emergency backup inflation source for Diver's SHERP bladder.

[0682]780 BC with retrofitted SHERP PFD

[0683]781 Existing sternum strap

[0684]782 Restricted inflation notch in upper SHERP bladder

[0685]783 Existing cummerbund strap

[0686]784 Restricted inflation notch in lower SHERP bladder

[0687]785 Self contained retrofit SHERP bladder and cover

[0688]786 Deflated BC SHERP bladder

[0689]787 Zip-on shoulder strap mounted BC CO2 inflated SHERP

[0690]788 Shoulder mounted BC SHERP blow open cover

[0691]790 Pneumatic strut deployed anterior buoyant moment SHERP

[0692]791 Zipper attachment

[0693]792 Vest Style BC

[0694]793 Pneumatic strut, radially extends pneumatic moment

[0695]794 Triangulation strap shapes and positions leveraged anteriorbuoyant moment

[0696]795 Medial face pneumatic strut reversible anchoring point

[0697]796 Lateral face pneumatic strut reversible anchoring point

[0698]797 Launch angle for pneumatic strut

[0699]798 Final anchor point determines strut launch angle

[0700]799 Buoyancy Compensator tank band

[0701]800 Sternum strap mounted SHERP life jacket

[0702]801 Integrated low-pressure SHERP inflation source

[0703]802 Power inflator

[0704]803 Negative, neutral or minimally buoyant cylinder when empty

[0705]804 Leveraged buoyant moment

[0706]805 Belt Loop mounted SHERP cover

[0707]806 Cylinder retainer and sizing sleeve

[0708]820 Inflatable PFD with HELP integrated thermal Life Bag

[0709]821 Stowed thermal protective bag

[0710]822 Deployed single layer inferior thermal protective bag

[0711]823 Deployed single layer inferior and superior thermal protectivebag

[0712]824 Exterior view of single layer thermal SHERP Life Bag

[0713]825 Secondary SHERP HELP Life Bag

[0714]826 SHERP Tube

[0715]827 Secondary SHERP HELP Life Bag with dual layer inflatable floorsingle layer canopy

[0716]830 Fully inflatable SHERP HELP Life Bag

[0717]831 Inflatable SHERP canopy

[0718]832 Thin film SHERP HELP Life Bag

[0719]833 Rigidified inlet orifice thin film valve

[0720]834 Highly redundant, structurally distinct, thermal and buoyantchambers

[0721]835 Reversible closure means

[0722]836 Thin film HELP Life Bag planar layout

[0723]837 Structurally defined perimeter tube

[0724]838 Floor inner wall only connected about perimeter

[0725]839 Fluid communication passage

[0726]840 Closure weldable face

[0727]850 Encircling dual strap SHERP bladder using pants as crotchstrap

[0728]851 Sailing, fishing or marine pants

[0729]852 Pant integrated complementary buckles

[0730]853 Traditional center pocket of pull over jacket

[0731]854 Bi-axillary reversibly mounted deflated life jacket

[0732]855 Jacket supplies posterior half of the encircling attachment

[0733]856 Loose fitting encircling member when deflated

[0734]857 Snug encircling member when circumference reduced uponinflation

[0735]858 Pull over jacket with low profile life jacket

[0736]859 Jacket axillary complementary buckle

[0737]860 Deflated bladder contribution to size of the encircling member

[0738]861 Inflated bladder contribution to size of the encircling member

[0739]862 Center opening jacket

[0740]863 Blow a part throat

[0741]864 Single midline crossover connection

[0742]865 Single lower strap connected to jacket

[0743]866 Belted Pants or shorts

[0744]867 Split ring zipper or single belt loop buckle attachment

[0745]868 Belt mounted complementary buckle

[0746]869 Button or twist lock mount for complementary buckle

[0747]870 Sailing SHERP bladder removed from jacket now carried on belt

[0748]871 Jacket blow open cover

[0749]872 Constriction of encircling member

[0750]880 Fishing Float or Enhanced Life ring with crotch strap

[0751]881 Complementary lower SHERP Straps and fasteners attached adistance back from the ends

[0752]882 Recessed mounting allows bladder to abut or overlap thebladder ends

[0753]883 Optional seat slides over strap for extended use as seat

[0754]884 Double laminate on at least one bladder surface allowsrecessed fasteners to be centrally surface mounted

[0755]885 Alternatively wider straps improves comfort as crotch strap

[0756]900 SHERP bladder with transient independent internal expansionchamber

[0757]901 Expansion chamber vent diameter determines delay

[0758]902 Localized expansion chamber

[0759]903 Remote inflation of expansion chamber

[0760]904 Hydrostatic pressure sensitive inflator

[0761]905 Gas passing from expansion chamber into primary SHERP bladder

[0762]907 Weld line between middle layer and outer SHERP bladder walldefining size and shape of expansion chamber

[0763]908 Initial inflation of expansion chamber

[0764]909 High strength blow a part lock under pneumatic tension

[0765]910 Delay for expansion chamber to open blow a part lock

[0766]911 Blow a part lock giving way to localized pneumatic strain

[0767]912 Tactical body armor plate

[0768]913 Delayed inflation of primary SHERP bladder

[0769]914 Restraint strap configuring SHERP bladder into a high anteriordisplacement life jacket

[0770]915 Conversion of high anterior displacement life jacket into Yokestyle PFD

[0771]916 Restraint wall limits expansion of tactical plate directingdeployment of SHERP bladder towards the head

[0772]917 Conduit between remote inflator and localized expansionbladder

[0773]920 Variably Configured Snorkel SHERP

[0774]921 Deflated Snorkel vest

[0775]922 Underlying vest

[0776]923 Outer fabric shell

[0777]924 Locking double pull separating zipper

[0778]925 Collapsed and internally stowed expansion gusset

[0779]926 Superior displacement configuration of snorkel vest

[0780]927 Inferior displacement configuration of snorkel vest

[0781]929 Fully deployed expansion gusset

[0782]930 Maximum displacement snorkel vest

[0783]931 Snorkel vest integrated yoke style PFD

[0784]932 Snorkel vest after releasing SOS-PFD bladder

[0785]933 Superior zipper opened

[0786]934 Inferior zipper opened

[0787]935 Zipper fully open

[0788]936 Superior expansion gusset deployed

[0789]937 Inferior expansion gusset deployed

[0790]940 Buoyancy Compensator(BC) with mechanically integrated Valiseand Second tank Band

[0791]941 BC, tank, garment and waist mounted valise

[0792]942 BC mounted reversible mechanical fastener, complementaryzipper

[0793]943 Valise mounted superior reversible mechanical fastener,complementary zipper

[0794]944 Valise contents extraction lanyard

[0795]945 BC integrated buckle is complementary to the lanyard bucklearising from the valise contents

[0796]946 BC armholes

[0797]947 BC tank band cam buckle

[0798]948 One size fits all valise strap diameter of cylinder 14″ tolarge adult 60″

[0799]949 Non-accessible but reversible, adjustable secure valise strapclosure means

[0800]950 Non-releasable tank counterweight pouches for solid or shotballast

[0801]951 Adjustable weight pouch closure means

[0802]952 Weight Pocket

[0803]953 Cummerbund integrated SHERP

[0804]954 Fluid communication conduit between forward and SHERP bladders

[0805]955 Solely tank mounted Valise

[0806]956 D-Ring mounted complementary buckle

[0807]957 Releasable side mounted fastener, accessible for underwateroperation, reversible, adjustable valise strap closure means crosscompatible with valise tank/waist band buckle and BC weight pocketbuckle

[0808]958 Non-releasable center mounted fastener

[0809]959 Center mount counterweight and orienting ballast for distressmarker

[0810]960 Second or inferior reversible secure garment mounting means

[0811]961 Internal contents of valise such as SOS-PFD bladder, raft,emergency flare kit

[0812]962 Portion of valise hidden behind lower edge of BC

[0813]963 Releasable Weight Pocket Housing

[0814]964 Buckle securing releasable weight pocket to BC housing

[0815]965 Strap connecting releasable pocket to buckle that securespocket within BC housing

[0816]966 Tank band tail

[0817]967 Universally sized BC, tank, garment and waist mounted valisewith auto or manually deployed contents and spool for bottom marking

[0818]968 Coated fabric—Tensioned portion of valise allows mounteddeployment of contents when internal and must be released when externalto and compressing contents

[0819]969 Coated fabric—Non-tensioned component of valise cover

[0820]970 Reversibly mounted and adjustable female closure

[0821]971 Variably positioned excess webbing keepers

[0822]972 Excess stored webbing

[0823]973 Webbing attachment to valise tensioning panel

[0824]974 Redundant layers of excess webbing

[0825]975 Internal sleeve for storing excess webbing

[0826]976 External sleeve for storing excess webbing when Valisemounting is reversed also stows alternative valise closure means andvalise to content reversible locking attachment means.

[0827]977 Valise to contents strap-mounted locking disconnect means

[0828]978 Sequential deploy then detonate lanyard

[0829]979 Right or left handed fabric loop valise closure and lock ordeploy and detonate.

[0830]980 Pull means for sequential deploy then detonate lanyard

[0831]981 Strangle proof lanyard uses valise closure to indicate correctpacking

[0832]982 Manual or auto-manual convertible inflator

[0833]983 Alternative valise non-quick release closure means

[0834]984 Spool pocket

[0835]985 Spool of high strength line for underwatermarking/decompression/ascent line

[0836]986 Fabric hook

[0837]987 Reversibly mounted and adjustable male closure

[0838]988 Loop when using only ½ of valise strap, such as for mountingvalise to 7¼″ cylinders

[0839]989 Dual Strap Life Raft Valise

[0840]990 Second Buckle/fastener receives second releasable BC weightpocket

[0841]991 Continuous one size strap allows fastener to be positioned atand point around the strap's circumference

[0842]992 Dual function removable SHERP bladder chest or waist strap andbelt for wearing SHERP

[0843]993 Offset tail end within sleeve

[0844]994 Strap guide loop

[0845]995 Strap sleeve stitched/attached to tension

[0846]996 Dual position trim weight integrated valise

[0847]997 Trim weight release buckle

[0848]998 Dual position trim weight harness

[0849]999 Dual position trim weight loop mount onto valise strap

[0850]1000 Low torque trim weight position

[0851]1001 High torque trim weight position

[0852]1002 Trim to keel posterior pivot point

[0853]1003 One half of strap sized to fits all SCUBA cylinders

[0854]1004 Right and left hand accessible valise buckles centrallymounted on same strap

[0855]1005 Additional strap needed to cover adult waists stowed withindedicated sleeve within valise

[0856]1006 Accessible/reversible anterior mechanical attachment ofvalise to BC

[0857]1007 Releasable BC mounted valise

[0858]1008 Threadable buckle stop

[0859]1009 Vest style BC with integrated valise and gravity driven slidetrim counterweight

[0860]1010 Weight pocket with loose web mounting loop

[0861]1011 Low torque/short lever arm/face down underwater position

[0862]1012 High torque/long lever arm/enhances corrective turning andstabilizes face up surface position

[0863]1013 Circumferentially mobile tank ballast

[0864]1014 Posterior centerline crossover block

[0865]1015 Partially fill container

[0866]1016 Hermetically sealed with anti-corrosive to prevent leadleakage and corrosive consolidation

[0867]1017 Gravity driven tank weight track

[0868]1018 Quick release buckle between mobile ballast and BC

[0869]1019 Open space for moving

[0870]1020 Dilation

[0871]1021 Grip for removal

[0872]1022 Common SHERP bladder

[0873]1023 Multiple SHERPA covers for common bladder

[0874]1030 Crotch Strap integrated pleomorphic safety bladder

[0875]1031 Crotch strap from diver, parachute, rescue or safety harness

[0876]1032 Deflated crotch strap mounted bladder

[0877]1033 Inflated crotch strap mounted bladder

[0878]1034 Harness waist strap

[0879]1035 Locking length adjustment means

[0880]1036 Garment secured bladder retaining strap

[0881]1037 Crotch strap loop

[0882]1038 Integrated crotch strap SOS-PFD bladder cover

[0883]1039 Retrofit or removable bladder and cover

[0884]1040 Bladder cover crotch strap loop

[0885]1041 Reversible locking hinge between bladder cover and bladdercrotch strap loop

[0886]1042 Cover sewn to crotch strap

[0887]1042 Crotch strap SOS-PFD cover

[0888]1050 Wet suit, dry suit, survival suit

[0889]1051 Overlying lip protecting detonation lanyard

[0890]1052 Thermal closure flap

[0891]1053 Elastic compressive flap

[0892]1054 Low profile life jacket

[0893]1055 Thoracic Slide Adjust Bladder Mounting loops

[0894]1056 Bladder Up donning position

[0895]1057 Bladder down wearing position

[0896]1058 Variable buoyant moment positioning system

[0897]1059 Adjustable circumferential buoyant moment lock

[0898]1060 Neck diameter adjustment and thoracic buoyant moment lock

[0899]1061 Garment integrated mounting loop

[0900]1062 Anterior spacing strap

[0901]1063 Posterior spacing strap

[0902]1064 Right ventral buoyant moment

[0903]1065 Left ventral buoyant moment

[0904] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in whatis considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to aperson skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A variably configured inflatable personalflotation device, comprising: an inflatable bladder having an elongatedsubstantially cylindrical shape in an unrestricted inflated state; andmeans for inflating the inflatable bladder. wherein once inflated thebladder can be in an unrestricted elongated configuration to serve amarker or restricted and configured to serve as a thoracic personalflotation device by aiding in corrective turning of a user's head out ofthe water, as a yoke collar personal flotation by providing buoyancybehind the user's head to increase freeboard or as a life ring togenerate increased vertical freeboard.
 2. The variably configuredinflatable personal flotation device of claim 1 wherein said inflatablebladder includes a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatablechamber and said means for inflating includes a first inflator incommunication with said first inflatable chamber and a second inflatorin communication with said second inflatable chamber.
 3. The variablyconfigured inflatable personal flotation device of claim 2 wherein saidfirst inflator is an oral inflator/deflator and said second inflator isa compressed gas inflation assembly.
 4. The variably configuredinflatable personal flotation device of claim 3 wherein said compressedgas inflation assembly is water activated.
 5. The variably configuredinflatable personal flotation device of claim 1 further including meansfor removably attaching the inflatable bladder to a garment.
 6. Thevariably configured inflatable personal flotation device of claim 1further including an adjustable connection assembly attached to saidinflatable bladder; wherein said adjustable connection assemblycomprising: a first portion of a connector attached approximate to afirst end of said inflatable bladder; an adjustable strap attachedapproximate to a second opposite end of said inflatable bladder; and asecond portion of the connector attached to the adjustable strap, saidsecond portion of the connector mating with first portion of theconnector.
 7. The variably configured inflatable personal flotationdevice of claim 1 further including a reversible mating assembly forconnecting a first portion of the inflatable bladder to a second portionof the inflatable bladder.
 8. The variably configured inflatablepersonal flotation device of claim 7 wherein said reversible matingassembly includes a first zipper track disposed along a first externaledge portion and a second zipper track disposed along a second externaledge portion, wherein the first zipper track and the second zipper trackare retained together by an attached pull zipper.
 9. The variablyconfigured inflatable personal flotation device of claim 8 wherein thelocation of said first zipper track and said second zipper track cause afirst end of said inflatable bladder and a second end of said inflatablebladder to expand outward when said inflatable bladder is inflated. 10.The variably configured inflatable personal flotation device of claim 6further comprising a reversible mating assembly which includes a firstzipper track disposed along a first external edge portion and a secondzipper track disposed along a second external edge portion, wherein thefirst zipper track and the second zipper track are retained together byan attached pull zipper.
 11. The variably configured inflatable personalflotation device of claim 1 further comprising: a plurality of loopsdisposed along a side edge portion beginning approximate to one end ofsaid inflatable bladder; and a fastener attached approximate to theopposite end of said inflatable bladder for attachment to one of saidplurality of loops.
 12. The variably configured inflatable personalflotation device of claim 1 further comprising a light assemblyincluding a light member attached approximate to one end of theinflatable bladder.
 13. The variably configured inflatable personalflotation device of claim 1 further comprising an audio assemblyattached to the inflatable bladder.
 14. The variably configuredinflatable personal flotation device of claim 1 further comprising meansfor attaching a ballast member to said inflatable bladder.
 15. Thevariably configured inflatable personal flotation device of claim 5wherein said garment is a buoyancy compensator, fishing bib, wader,jacket, wetsuit or swimsuit.